Michael Atkinson, of Taunton, has been jailed for nine years and three months. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Taunton van driver Michael Atkinson killed Sally Blew while over drink and drug limit

Paul JonesJuly 14, 20250 Comment0

VAN driver Michael Atkinson has been jailed after causing a Taunton crash that killed pensioner Sally Blew while over the limit for drink and drugs.

Atkinson, who was already disqualified from driving at the time, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court on Friday (July 11).

At just before 10.10am on March 10, the 38-year-old was driving a white Mercedes Sprinter van when it hit 77-year-old Sally, who was wheeling her bike across Lisieux Way. She died later in hospital.

Atkinson provided a positive drugs and alcohol tests at the scene and later, while in custody.

CCTV enquiries carried out during the course of the police investigation showed Atkinson’s erratic driving in the time leading up to the collision.

Atkinson, of Taunton, pleaded guilty to causing death by driving while disqualified, causing death by careless driving, charges relating to driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol, cannabis and cocaine.

He was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison, and handed a driving disqualification of 11 years and 11 months.

Sentencing, His Honour Judge Paul Cook, said: “Mrs Blew’s death has caused devastation; she was a kind and gentle soul.”

Atkinson was driving at 43mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the crash.

Mrs Blew’s son, Paul, paid tribute to his mother in a victim personal statement prepared for the sentencing hearing.

“When the accused killed Sally Blew, he did not just hit and kill my mum with his vehicle, it was as if that day he had struck my entire family and the many others she knew,” he said.

“He took away my mother and took away her remaining family years of support and love. He took mum away from her sister and brothers, whom she would support emotionally when times were hard.

“He took her away from my children and the nieces and nephews whom she cherished and loved dearly.

“He took away a kind and gentle soul who would help others unconditionally.”

Officer in the case, Dai Nicholas, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Sally Blew’s family, who have experienced an unimaginable loss.

“The devastation caused by Michael Atkinson’s actions on that day are hard to put into words.

“CCTV footage showed Mrs Blew patiently waiting for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road on foot with her bike.

“Atkinson, while under caution, made comments to attending officers that he ‘didn’t mean’ for the collision to happen.

“The collision may not have been intentional, but what was deliberate was his decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, knowing full well he was part way through serving a three-year driving disqualification for similar offences.

“This, coupled with speeding, are three of the Fatal Five most common causes of serious collisions and it is correct he has been sentenced accordingly.”