A West Cumbrian man has been given a suspended sentence for causing the death of a woman following a collision on the A66.
Simon Nicholson, 21, of Meadley Place, Cleator Moor, admitted causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for cocaine and two counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.
Police were called to the collision on Friday December 22 2023 on A66 near Marron Bridge.
The collision involved Nicholson’s vehicle, a Volkswagen Golf, and a Suzuki Jimny.
A forensic collision investigation was carried out, which found Nicholson was travelling westbound on A66 towards Workington when it crossed onto the eastbound carriageway and collided with the Suzuki.
Maureen Henley, 72, a passenger in the Suzuki, died in hospital later that day as a result of her injuries.
The driver of the Suzuki was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
There were three passengers in Nicholson’s vehicle who suffered serious and minor injuries.
Nicholson carried out a drugs wipe and breath test at the scene, which was negative, but a further blood test was carried out with his consent which showed he was over the prescribed limit for cocaine.
Nicholson was sentenced to two years suspended for two years.
After sentencing, Detective Constable Caroline Middleton, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision sadly resulted in the loss of life.
“There is no excuse for drug-driving and getting behind the wheel whilst unfit and this case highlights the tragic impacts it can have.
“Nicholson told officers at the scene he does not take drugs, however his consented blood test confirmed he was over the prescribed limit.
“In Interviews he also claimed the vehicle came onto his side of the road however physical evidence and witnesses found this was not true.”
