A DRUNK DRIVER has been sentenced to more than nine years after colliding with groom-to-be at 110mph while trying to WhatsApp video call someone.
Marius Mihai 36 was driving along the A5 in Lichfield in December last year when his car collided with groom-to-be Richard Allen 33.
Richard sadly died at the scene, two days before Christmas and he was due to get married on New Year's Eve which was just eight days after the fatal crash.
Staffordshire Police analysis of CCTV footage found that Mihai was driving at upwards of 110mph on the A5 immediately before he collided with Richard.
Mihai had also been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and was engaged in a video WhatsApp call when he crashed into Richard's car.
Mihai pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on Monday [6 November] and was sentenced at Strafford Crown Court to nine years and eight months behind bars.
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He was also banned from driving for 137 months.
PC Matt Brailsford from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Mihai drove at a dangerous speed, whilst intoxicated and whilst using his mobile phone.
"If he was driving responsibly, this avoidable incident wouldn’t have happened.
"His actions have devastated the family of Richard and our thoughts are still very much with them as they continue to come to terms with their tragic loss.
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"No sentence will ever be sufficient for the family but I hope that Mihai understands that his actions have consequences, and in this case, tragic ones."
“Speed, alcohol and mobile phone use are three of the four main reasons for fatal collisions.
"I would implore people to ensure they drive safely and responsibly so that families like that of Mr Allen do not have their lives destroyed.“
This comes after Ex-England football star Jesse Lingard apologises after admitting to drink driving in his £200k Lamborghini.
And understand the law better by reading, What is the fine for drink driving in the UK?
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