Hordle Drink-Driver Jailed After Killing 15-Year-Old Girl and Fleeing Scene
A reckless drink-driver from Hordle has been locked up for over four years after crashing his car and killing a 15-year-old girl. Alexander McBride, 34, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Rebecca Marchant while driving over the legal alcohol limit.
Fatal Crash on Hordle Lane
On the evening of February 16, McBride was behind the wheel of a white Mercedes E350 Sport when he lost control and smashed into a tree on Hordle Lane around 8.40pm. Rebecca, sitting shotgun, was killed instantly at the scene.
McBride’s young daughter, 10, and niece, 8, were in the back and suffered only minor injuries. However, McBride fled the crash, running home before being arrested hiding in a neighbour’s driveway shortly afterwards.
Over Double Drink Drive Limit
Toxicology tests revealed McBride was more than twice over the drink drive limit and had cannabis in his system at the time. The court handed down a four-year, four-month prison sentence and banned him from driving for five years and two months.
Judge Crabtree called it a “serious case with tragic consequences.”
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
Rebecca’s family spoke out after sentencing: “On February 16, our beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend was taken from us due to Alexander McBride’s decision to drink and drive. His choice to flee the scene has left us devastated. We can never forgive him.”
They also thanked the police for their compassion during the grim ordeal, adding: “We ask for privacy as we continue to grieve.”
Police Warn Against Drink Driving
PC Dave Mitchell condemned McBride’s actions as selfish and reckless. “This young life was lost because McBride ignored repeated warnings about drink driving,” he said. “We hope today’s sentence sends a clear message – don’t drink and drive. If you see it happening, report it.”
The case serves as a grim reminder: drink driving ruins lives. Stay safe and stay sober behind the wheel.
