'Devastated' family pay tribute to mum killed in head-on crash caused by brother-in-law

A "remorseful" pensioner was jailed after he crashed his car into incoming traffic causing his sister-in-law's death.

Sheila Barrett, 70, was tragically killed in a crash while on her way to see a dying relative, reports Liverpool Echo.

George Jones, had agreed to drive his wife and her two sisters despite spending an earlier part of the day in the pub.

The accident happened in Liverpool in December 2018.

Jones' Vauxhall Corsa collided a VW Tiguan causing Sheila's death.

Sheila Barrett was killed in a car driven by her brother-in-law who had consumed alcohol (LIVERPOOL ECHO)

Liverpool Crown Court heard on October 16 that Jones and his wife had received "a phone call that changed everything" from her sister's nursing home.

They advised the family that Jones' sister-in-law "may not last the evening" and they should come.

Jones, 73, agreed to drive his wife and her three sisters to the home, despite having consumed alcohol.

John Rowan, defending Jones, said: "This is a truly tragic case for all involved. There hasn't been a day, Mr Jones tells me, that he hasn't woken up in the morning or gone to bed at night without thinking of those events.

"The regret, the remorse and the shame lives with him every moment of every day."

Jones was handed a prison sentence of two-and-a-half years (Liverpool Echo)

The court heard the pensioner hasn't driven since the collision.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones handed Jones a prison sentence of two-and-a-half years and was disqualified from driving for three-and-a-half years and must take an extended retest.

Following the sentencing, Ms Barrett's son, Frank Barrett, said: "We are today still devastated at the death of our mum, grandmother and friend Sheila Barrett.

"We as a family must try to move on after my uncle George Jones caused the death of our mother due to drink driving."

Sergeant Mike Clarey, from Merseyside Police's roads policing serious collision investigation unit said: “This was a tragic incident which highlights how reckless and irresponsible it is to drink drive and I hope George Jones now takes time to reflect on the devastation his actions have caused.

“Sheila’s family are heartbroken at her loss, but I hope today’s sentencing goes some way to allowing them to begin healing and moving forward.

“I also hope this sentencing serves as a stark warning to road users who may consider driving whilst under the influence. Rest assured that any driver involved in a collision will be breathalysed and action will be taken should they fail that test.”