Drink driver more than double legal alcohol limit jailed for causing fatal collision on A17 near Sleaford

Norbert Tarasinski, of no fixed address, lost control of his black Audi A6 as he was driving along the A17 towards the Holdingham roundabout near Sleaford.

He crossed from the main carriageway into a lay-by and crashed into the back of a parked grey Toyota Aygo, which belonged to 79-year-old Iris Mellor, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

Iris, from Helpringham, had pulled her car over into the lay-by after noticing a crack in her windscreen getting bigger, and was waiting for assistance when the Audi crashed into her.

The court heard the collision occurred just after 10.20am on Sunday, November 15.

Iris tragically died of her injuries the day after being taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, while her granddaughter, in her 20s, suffered minor physical injuries from being sat in the passenger seat at the time, the court was told.

Tarasinski provided a positive breath test at the scene of the collision, as well as giving a blood sample at hospital.

His blood sample found him to be over double the legal limit, showing 181 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

The 46-year-old appeared before Lincoln Crown Court on April 12, where he pleaded guilty to causing death by due care while over the legal prescribed alcohol limit.

He was sentenced at the same court by Recorder Stuart Sprawson yesterday (Tuesday).

The Recorder sentenced Tarasinski, to three years and four months imprisonment.

He was also disqualified from driving for three years and must pass an extended driving test.

Tarasinski will also have to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

Detective Sergeant Luke Wells from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit of Lincolnshire Police, commented after the sentencing: “Tarasinski was significantly over the drink drive limit and his actions have led to the death of Iris, a lady in her 70s.

“Tarasinski had been drinking the previous evening and into the early hours of the morning, having then had very little sleep. He will have time in prison to think about his actions.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Iris and we send our condolences to them.

“Drink or drug driving are very serious offences and, on this occasion, Tarasinski’s actions have led to devastating consequences.

“No-one can predict how their driving will be affected after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.

“We know the science shows a person’s driving will be affected differently every time dependent on how much sleep they have had, what they have eaten or drunk and their metabolism.

“I have a very clear message, don’t drive if you have consumed alcohol or taken any form of illegal substance; it’s that simple. Don’t be responsible for someone else death.”

In a tribute released after her death Iris’ family said: “Iris was a loving partner, mother and nan. She had a lot of friends who all loved her dearly.

“She will be missed by everyone who knew her and her passing has left a huge hole in all of our lives.”