Drink driver pleads guilty to causing death of partner in Swindon
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A woman whose drink driving led to the death of her partner has pleaded guilty.
Paula Rendell, 50, of Abbey View Road, Moredon, Swindon, appeared at Swindon Crown Court today (03/05) charged with causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.
She admitted to the offence and was bailed ahead of sentencing on June 25.
On June 17 last year, at around 9.50pm, Rendell was driving her partner Paul Morton, 47, home after they had both been drinking when she lost control of the vehicle on Kingsdown Road, Swindon.
The vehicle veered down a bank, colliding with a tree.
Mr Morton was sadly declared dead at the scene, while Rendell was taken to hospital to be treated for her injuries.
A breath test revealed Rendell was just under twice the legal drink drive limit, and she was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.
Following an investigation, Rendell was charged in April.
Acting SGT 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.
“There is a reason it is one of the ‘fatal five’: the five offences which are the most likely to lead to death or serious injury collisions on our roads.
“These are excess speed, using a phone whilst driving, not wearing a seatbelt, careless and dangerous driving and drink and drug driving.
“We remain committed to clamping down on these offences, and we continue to run Project Zero patrols every week in different parts of the county to target drivers failing to abide by the law.
“Please help us keep Wiltshire’s roads safe and ensure you give the road your full attention at all times, and if you have been drinking then find another way to travel.”