Drink driver jailed after killing pub landlady

Jacob James King crashed into pub landlady Teresa Grimes on a pavement in Southampton

A drink driver who hit and killed a pedestrian has been jailed for more than six years.

Jacob James King drove into pub landlady Teresa Grimes on the pavement of West End High Street, Southampton, on the evening of 10 December 2022.

Southampton Crown Court heard King, 29, of Chessel Avenue, Southampton, was driving his silver BMW while more than twice the drink drive limit.

He was handed a prison sentence of six years and eight months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

King was more than twice the drink drive limit when his silver BMW hit Theresa Grimes

The court heard King had been drinking beer and rum over a friend's house while watching England play France in the quarter final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He later got behind the wheel of his car and CCTV footage from the evening, shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, showed him driving at between 66mph and 72mph in a 30mph zone.

Teresa Grimes' family said they would "always miss" her

The court heard Teresa Grimes had just finished her shift at the West End Brewery pub.

The 53-year-old crossed the High Street to get a takeaway before the fatal crash.

Following sentencing, Ms Grimes' family said: "Getting behind the wheel of a car whilst intoxicated remains truly a selfish act.

"The utter devastation it causes to families, the aftermath of losing a loved one.

"The punishment needs to be harsh for these crimes, people shouldn't look lightly on drink driving.

"The outcome of today does not change what happened 600 days ago. The heartache continues, the want for her to be here with us hasn't changed.

"We still have lost our T. We will always miss T."