Drink driver convicted of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, Manston Lane, Leeds

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

A driver who killed a woman and seriously injured a child in a head-on collision in Leeds has been sentenced to prison.

Jonathon Hopkinson was over the drink-drive limit when his Audi collided with a Nissan Juke driven by 22-year-old Alice Birchall on Manston Lane on June 18, 2022.

Hopkinson also seriously injured an eight-year-old passenger in his car.

Alice, from Crossgates, died in hospital after suffering serious injuries in a collision.

At an earlier hearing, Hopkinson pleaded guilty to drink driving, causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving.

Appearing at Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today (June 6), he was jailed for eight years for causing death by dangerous driving and a further two years for causing serious injury by dangerous driving while driving concurrently.

He was also banned from driving for 12 years.

In a speech after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Lindsey Pickles, of West Yorkshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team (MCET), said: “By getting behind the wheel that night while over the limit, Hopkinson’s actions resulted in the death of one young woman and untold devastation to her friend and family.

“He also caused serious injuries to the child.”

“Our thoughts are with Alice’s family. “Nothing will bring her back, but I hope today’s verdict brings closure to the case and also sends a message to those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”