Drunk driver convicted of causing a woman’s death

A drink-driving driver who killed a woman and seriously injured her child in a head-on collision in Leeds has been jailed for eight years.

Jonathon Hopkinson (36) caused the death of 22-year-old Alice Birchall when he collided with her car on Manston Lane in June 2022.

As a result of the accident, eight-year-old Isobella Hopkinson, who was traveling in his car, was also seriously injured.

Hopkinson, of Hollyshaw Lane, Whitkirk, was also banned from driving for 12 years at Leeds Crown Court.

He was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to drink driving, causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mrs Birchall, from Crossgates, died in hospital after being seriously injured in the collision.

In a speech after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Lindsey Pickles, of West Yorkshire Police, said Hopkinson had caused “indescribable devastation” to her friends and family.

“Nothing will bring her back, but I hope that today’s verdict will bring closure to the case and will also be a message to those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she added.

Hopkinson was sentenced to eight years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

He was also sentenced to two years in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, to run concurrently.

Follow BBC Yorkshire further Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) AND Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].