A DRINK driver who killed a young woman in a crash last year has been jailed for five and a half years.

After the hearing, Roads Policing Sergeant Ian Price said: “Gareth David Entwistle of Ciliau Aeron was today [Monday] sentenced to 5 ½ years in prison for causing the death of Miriam Briddon, having driven without due care and attention whilst over the prescribed drink drive limit.

“On the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2014, 21 year old Miriam Briddon left her family home in Cross Inn near New Quay having said what turned out to be her final farewell to her family. Tragically a short time later, at approximately 7pm Miriam’s life was cut short by the actions of a drink driver who showed a complete disregard to others in getting behind the wheel of his car whilst drunk.

“Driving at inappropriate speeds whilst drunk, Entwistle devoid of control of his car entered the opposite lane whilst attempting to negotiate a left hand bend on the A482 near Felinfach, Ceredigion, colliding heavily with Miriam’s car that had been travelling in the opposite direction. The magnitude of the collision had grave consequences, causing fatal injuries to Miriam.

“The needless death of Miriam Briddon was completely avoidable, had Gareth Entwistle not been so reckless on the night. Tackling drink driving continues to be a priority for Dyfed Powys Police, it is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This is an example of the utterly devastating aftermath of drink driving, as Miriam’s death has had a life altering effect on all her family and loved ones.”

At the time of her death, Miriam Briddon’s family described the former Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi pupil as ‘one in a million’, who would be truly missed by everyone who knew her. She was a talented artist who enjoyed working with textiles and especially wool, and had been due to graduate from Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthen the year she died.

A tribute to her read: “Miriam was a beautiful person inside and out. She was always happy and never without a smile on her face.

“Miriam was kind and always genuinely interested in other people. She had a profound effect on everybody’s lives that she touched.”