'Reckless' drink-driver jailed for killing teacher

Thomas Michael Sanigar has been jailed for nine years and nine months

A "reckless" driver who killed a teacher after drinking more than eight pints and a shot has been jailed.

Thomas Michael Sanigar, 39, hit and fatally injured pedestrian Alex Ramsden, 30, on Great Coates Road in Grimsby at about 23:40 GMT on 3 February.

Sanigar, of Tiverton Street, Cleethorpes, had been on a night out in Beverley, East Yorkshire, and was found to be two times over the drink-driving limit, Humberside Police said.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court to nine years and nine months in prison.

At the hearing on Thursday, Sanigar also received a driving ban of 16 years and six months.

He had attended an event in Beverley where he drank seven pints of Madri lager, a pint of Guinness, a bottle of Heineken lager and a shot, police said.

Afterwards, Sanigar was driving with two friends in the car when he mounted a pavement and hit Mr Ramsden, who was walking home after meeting a friend.

Mr Ramsden died at the scene and Sanigar failed a roadside breath test.

'Devastating consequences'

In a statement released by Humberside Police, Mr Ramsden's mother said there were "no words to describe the complete and utter devastation".

"My boy Alex is gone, never to return and that is something I have to live with," she said.

''Since Alex was killed, the family dog, but really Alex's dog, Phoenix, has been waiting at the window looking for him, pacing the house, awaiting his arrival back home."

Ch Insp William Jenkins said his thoughts were with the family.

"I hope that knowing Sanigar is now behind bars for his reckless actions will bring them some comfort," he added.

"Throughout December, we will continue to target those who drive under the influence, carrying out roadside tests for both drink and drug driving, which can have just as devastating consequences for families."

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