Drink-driver admits causing death of partner

A tribute from his family said Paul Morton had "such a good heart"

A woman has pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving after a crash which killed her partner.

Paula Rendell, 50, of Abbey View Road, Moredon, Swindon, was almost twice the drink-drive limit when she lost control of a car before going down a bank and hitting a tree.

Her partner, 47-year-old Paul Morton, who was a passenger in the car, was declared dead at the scene on Kingsdown Road in Swindon on 17 June 2023.

Rendell admitted the charge at Swindon Crown Court on Friday and was bailed ahead of sentencing on 25 June.

Rendell was taken to hospital for her injuries and a breath test revealed she had been drinking before the fatal crash which occurred at about 21:50 BST.

In a family tribute last year, Mr Morton was described as a "loving dad, amazing brother, doting son" and was "adored" by his grandchildren.

They said he was "a good friend, always reliable and there to help anyone who needed it. He had such a good heart".

'Conscious decision to risk life'

Wiltshire Police Acting Sergeant James Barrett said: “This was a tragic incident which has resulted in a much-loved family member losing his life.

“Rendell knew that she had been drinking and would be over the limit, but still made the conscious decision to drive and risk hers and her partner’s life.

“This decision has had devastating consequences and it’s an awful reminder of the dangers of drink-driving."