Drink-driver jailed for bench crash death

Derren Goddard was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on Friday

A drink-driver has been jailed for five years and four months after admitting to causing the death of 76-year-old man who was sitting "peacefully" on a bench.

Derren Goddard, 51, of Harmans Way, Weedon Bec, Northamptonshire, pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention while over the legal limit for alcohol.

The victim, Keith Turnidge, affectionately known as Pop-Eye, died in hospital in August 2023, almost two months after he was hit by a Mini Cooper in Bridge Street, Weedon.

Goddard was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court, where he was also banned from driving for seven years and eight months.

Derren Goddard was jailed for more than five years and given a driving ban

Investigating officer Det Con El Hudson said Mr Turnidge was "a popular, well-liked character".

"He had been peacefully sitting on a bench watching the world go by and suffered terrible injuries that sadly proved fatal," she said.

"Keith's death had a profound impact on the Weedon community, and their grief is compounded by the fact that his death was completely avoidable.

"Derren Goddard had been drinking in the village pub and lived a mere 400m away, yet chose to try and drive home. That decision cost Keith his life."

Goddard had originally denied the charged, but changed his pleas to guilty at a July hearing at the same court.

Det Con Hudson said Goddard first claimed he had "suffered a medical blackout" and added: "I'm glad he finally took responsibility by pleading guilty.

"I hope Keith's family and the Weedon community can take comfort from knowing that he has been held to account."

She also thanked everyone who helped in the investigation, including members of the public who came to help Mr Turnidge.