Drink driver caused death of aunt in car crash

Dean Rowbottom was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court

A drink driver whose aunt was killed when he crashed into parked cars at 70mph (113km/h) has been jailed for more than seven years.

Dean Rowbottom, 27, was nearly three times over the alcohol limit for driving and travelling at more than double the speed limit when he collided with vehicles along Kimberworth Road, Rotherham, on 26 November 2023.

The impact killed relative Samantha Beckett, 47, a passenger in his blue Volkswagen Passat.

Rowbottom, of South Street, Rotherham, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison at a Sheffield Crown Court hearing.

Rowbottom, who received minor injuries in the crash on the 30mph (48km/h) limit street, was also disqualified from driving for 11 years.

South Yorkshire Police said Rowbottom, who pleaded guilty in March, had been travelling "at speed" before the crash at about 23:35 GMT.

Sgt John Taylor, from the force, said: "Rowbottom's choice to get into his car and drive it that night was reckless and resulted in the loss of an innocent life.

"A family suffered the devastating and unnecessary death of a loved one and I hope this serves as a reminder to all drivers that drinking and driving is extremely dangerous."

He added: "The consequences can be catastrophic - it doesn't just put your own life at risk but that of your loved ones and others."

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North