Woman jailed for over three years following fatal drink-driving crash in Barham

The big picture: Ellie Lambert, 20, from Kirby Rise in Barham, was jailed for 3 years and 4 months at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday.

She pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care and attention while over the prescribed limit.

Key details:

• The collision occurred on 29 April 2023 on Thornhill Road, Barham.

• Lambert's blue Vauxhall Corsa left the road and collided with a tree and garage, resulting in the death of her passenger, 18-year-old Bethany McCauley from Pinewood.

• Lambert's blood alcohol level was 185mg per 100ml, more than double the legal limit of 80mg.

• She has been disqualified from driving for 6 years and 8 months and must take an extended retest.

• Lambert told police she had no recollection of the collision.

• Forensic investigation showed no evidence of braking or excessive steering before impact.

What they're saying: Detective Constable Kelly Dale, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was a tragic incident that has highlighted all too starkly how dangerous and devastating it is to drink and drive.

"Bethany was only 18-years-old with her entire life ahead of her, but this was brought to an abrupt end as a result of Ellie Lambert's actions that night. Those actions have also caused huge emotional turmoil for Bethany's family, who continue to try to come to terms with her death.

"Lambert has shown remorse and clearly did not intend for what happened that night to take place. However, that is the risk you take if you get behind the wheel of a vehicle whilst more than two times the legal drink-drive limit.

"Alcohol - or any other substance - impairs your judgement and slows your reactions and as demonstrated in this incident, the consequences can be deadly. You are putting the lives of everyone in your vehicle and out on the roads in danger and our message is quite simply: don't do it – it's not worth the risk."

The bottom line: Don't drink and drive. It's that simple.