A Berkshire man was sentenced today at Winchester Crown Court to 21 months’ imprisonment and disqualified from driving for five years for causing death by dangerous driving. He is Dean Thomas Robert, 24, of Spinis, Bracknell. Mr Robert was convicted on September 24 of causing the death of Patricia McGill, 58, of Raygnoldes, Church Crookham, on July 31. 2007.

Mr Robert’s Ford Transit van was travelling along Aldershot Road, Fleet, when he collided head-on with a Ford Fiesta, driven by Mrs McGill. Following the sentencing, Mrs McGill’s husband Peter and the couple’s adult children, Darren, Claire and Marie, all of Church Crookham, issued the following statement: “Tricia was a truly wonderful person. She touched so many people with her warm and loving way. Our lives will never be the same without her. She was loved by us all, as she loved us. She did not deserve her fate, but she did deserve the justice she received today. “The family would like to thank the following people: “Mr Laurie, our barrister, for not only his skill, but giving us time and support. “PC Tracey Saunders, for her expert reconstruction of the crash, which we are sure gave the jury clarity to make a clear decision. “Sergeant Jon Nobel and PC Karen Price, for their pure professionalism. “Last, but not least, PC Andy Neilson, our family liaison officer, for his time and support throughout, far beyond the call of duty. “We thank them all.”

The investigation into Mrs McGill’s death was led by Sergeant Jon Noble of the Road Death Investigation Team at Eastleigh. He said: “This is the culmination of a lengthy investigation by Hampshire Constabulary. The sentence passed on Dean Robert should be a warning to all drivers that it is imperative that they pay attention to their driving at all times. “Being behind the wheel of a vehicle means they must take responsibility for the driving of that vehicle. This case proves that taking your eyes from the road can have tragic consequences.