The sister of a woman killed by a drunk driver said her death was a "sick, twisted irony". Alice Birchall, 22, was described as an "inspirational, hard working, beautiful and resilient" woman. On Tuesday, June 11, her family waited with bated breath to find out how justice would be served on her killer Jonathon Hopkinson at Leeds Crown Court, reports .
His Honour Judge Tom Bayliss addressed Hopkinson, highlighting his reckless and deadly decisions that led to his collision with Alice's NIssan Juke on June 18, 2022. He had chosen to drive while over the drink-drive limit, with his daughter in the car, and at "breathtaking" speeds The court heard how Hopkinson, 35, had driven at speeds of 100mph in residential areas with a 30mph limit. It was 8.
30pm when his selfish actions resulted not only in Alice's death but also serious injuries to himself and his daughter. Eyewitnesses were left traumatised after pulling the three bodies from the wreckage caused by the crash. Amy, Alice's sister, described the fact her sister had been killed by a drunk driver as a "sick, twisted irony".
Both girls had faced adversity and trauma, having lived through their dad's death and their mum's descent into alcoholism - which included a drink-driving conviction - before she too died. At the young ages of just 17 and 20, the sisters were left to rely on each other and their family's support. Alice, despite her hardships, worked tirelessly to forge a life where she could care for her younger sister.
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