A man has been jailed for four years and four months after he pleaded guilty to causing the death of a 15-year-old girl.
Alexander McBride, 34, of Sky End Lane, Hordle, admitted causing the death of Rebecca Marchant by driving without due care and attention while over the drink-drive limit.
He was jailed today and was also disqualified from driving for five years and two months.
The court heard last week how McBride was driving his white Mercedes E350 Sport along Hordle Lane when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree, at approximately 8.40pm on February 16.
Rebecca was the front seat passenger and was pronounced dead at the scene.
McBride’s 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old niece were back-seat passengers and both suffered minor injuries.
The prosecutor told the court at a previous hearing how McBride fled the scene of the collision and ran home. He was arrested a short time later hiding in a neighbours driveway.
The judge heard how toxicology tests showed that McBride was more than double the drink drive limit and had cannabis in his system.
Sentencing McBride, Judge Crabtree said that this was a “serious” case with “tragic consequences”.
After the sentencing Rebecca’s family said: “On Tuesday February 16 Rebecca, our loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and good friend to all was killed by Alexander McBride.
“The sentencing today will never be enough to compensate for the decision he took that night to drink and drive, we can never forgive him for leaving her after the accident.
“His actions have left our family and friends devastated.
“We would like to thank the police who have been so thorough and shown us and Rebecca respect and compassion throughout this terrible time.
“We now request that we are left to continue to grieve in private.”
PC Dave Mitchell added: “This is a tragic case where a young life has been taken following the selfish actions of McBride.
“McBride has chosen to drink and drive – he has acted without regard for those around him.
“He has ignored the drink-drive message which is repeated by police so often. This has cost Rebecca Marchant her life.
“I only hope that the sentence today might reinforce the drink drive message, so that others might not act so recklessly.
“The sentence in no way atones for the loss of Rebecca. McBride thought himself okay to drive, he was not. The message is simple, do not drink and drive.
“If you do drink and drive, stop. If you know of a person drinking and driving, report it.”
