Grandmother killed by drink-driver in mum’s car

A drink-driver who crashed head-on into a car being driven by a grandmother on her way home from babysitting has been jailed for causing her death.

Oliver Hartley, 24, had taken his mother's Audi A7 without permission before the collision on the A6055 in North Yorkshire in August 2021.

His vehicle struck Linda Stockdale's Kia Creed between Catterick and Leeming Bar in the early hours of the morning as the 65-year-old returned home after caring for her grandchildren.

Hartley was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving and was sentenced to 12 months in prison at York Crown Court.

Hartley, of Bentley Lane, Meanwood, Leeds, was estimated to have been travelling at 72mph (115km/h) at the point of the collision in the Audi A7, which he was not insured to drive.

Ms Stockdale, who lived in nearby Tunstall, died at the scene.

Hartley also admitted drink-driving, as he recorded blood alcohol levels of between 119-203mg - above the legal limit of 80mg.

He had been given a 20-month driving ban at a separate sentencing hearing at York Magistrates' Court in 2022.

Data from Hartley's mobile phone showed he had travelled up and down the A1(M) and A6055 seven times after taking the car from his mother's home in Harrogate, and had gone as far as Scotch Corner while driving in excess of the speed limit.

Experts recorded the Audi reaching speeds of up to 105mph in the build-up to the collision and described Hartley as "lost and intoxicated".

Ms Stockdale's son, Philip, said: "My mum was such a kind, thoughtful, caring, and beautiful person.

"Her loss has been devastating for so many, not only family but many lifelong friends, colleagues, and neighbours.

"It has been extremely difficult for me to put into words the impact of losing my mum as I simply don't think I can do her justice."

Ms Stockdale's daughter, Lisa Roper, added: "It's impossibly hard to even try to describe the devastating feeling of losing a parent to anyone who hasn't been through it, never mind the loss of someone as amazing as my mum."

Ms Stockdale worked with disabled children and was due to retire a week after the crash.

Her partner of 25 years, Christopher Gall, said: "I won't live half the life I did without Linda. I don't know what my future holds but I know that every day since Linda losing her life, has stood still for me. Each day has been extremely hard.

"I lost the woman that loved me and who I loved dearly.

We were together all the time, and she was my best friend.

Linda was my whole heart and soul.

"Linda was the best of the best."

Hartley was also disqualified from driving for a further six months at the hearing on Friday.