Drink driver jailed for causing two deaths

Driver Jade Devine hit the two pedestrians after travelling to buy cocaine

A drink driver who caused the deaths of two people while driving to buy cocaine has been jailed for eight years.

Jade Devine, from Flimby in Cumbria, struck and killed 31-year-old Bethanie Clark and 44-year-old David Muir in the early hours of 15 May 2022.

Devine fled the scene but police found her car nearby with substantial damage.

The 33-year-old was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after previously admitting two counts of causing death by careless driving whilst over the limit for alcohol.

Ms Clark and Mr Muir were found lying on the A596 by a member of the public who called the emergency services.

Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officers visited Devine's home in Anderson Court, Flimby, and caught her as she was trying to flee through her garden gate.

Bethanie Clark (pictured) and David Muir were found lying in the middle of the road after they were hit by Devine

A breathalyser test showed she was over the legal limit.

A Cumbria Police investigation found she had been driving back from Workington, where she had travelled to buy cocaine, when the crash happened.

She had been speeding at the time, police said.

Before she was arrested she visited a neighbour's home to ask for help and told them: "I've killed two people. That's it my life is over."

She later told police she had "panicked" before she ran and wanted to see her children before she went to prison.

Devine, who initially denied the charges, was also banned from driving for nine years and four months.

Det Sgt Deborah Story, of the Cumbria force, said: "This was a tragic incident which resulted in two people losing their lives.

"There is no excuse for drink-driving and this case tragically illustrates the potential outcome if you do get behind the wheel whilst unfit."