A 24-year-old drink driver has avoided jail time after a horrific crash that claimed the life of a six-month-old baby who was thrown from a parked car in West Yorkshire.
Oliver Tregilgas-Paynter was nearly twice the legal alcohol limit when he crashed into a stationary vehicle in Brighouse last October. The impact caused the infant, who was not properly secured in a child seat, to be ejected through the window of the parked car.
Tragic Consequences of Negligence
The court heard how the baby boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was not adequately restrained at the time of the collision. Prosecutors detailed how the force of the impact propelled the infant from the vehicle, leading to fatal injuries.
Despite admitting to causing death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit, Tregilgas-Paynter received a suspended sentence from Bradford Crown Court.
Judicial Reasoning Sparks Outrage
Judge Jonathan Rose cited several factors in his sentencing decision, including the defendant's early guilty plea and the fact the child wasn't properly restrained. The 24-year-old received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a three-year driving ban.
"This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences that can occur when multiple safety failures coincide," the judge remarked during sentencing.
Community Reaction and Safety Warnings
Local residents expressed shock at the sentence, with many questioning the message it sends about drink driving consequences. Road safety campaigners have seized on the tragedy to reinforce the importance of both sober driving and proper child restraint.
Police investigators emphasized that while Tregilgas-Paynter's intoxication directly caused the collision, the child's improper seating arrangement contributed to the tragic outcome.
The case has prompted renewed calls for stricter sentencing guidelines for drink driving offences that result in fatalities, particularly when children are involved.
