Nine years in jail for driver who killed two in Eltham
The driver of a car who killed two people last month while trying to escape police has been sentenced to nine years in jail. He was more than four times over the drink and drug level.
The sentence is bound to again cause controversy over penalties for dangerous driving in the UK. With good behaviour he could be out in three.
Ben Ord, 41 of Eltham killed Robert and Shirley Wigzell near B&Q in Eltham. He was going over 70mph.
He was disqualified from driving for 16 years and six months and will be subject to a driving retest – which in the circumstances seems a bit of a sick joke.
In a statement Mr and Mrs Wigzell’s family said: “We would like to thank the police, emergency services and the CPS for all their hard work throughout this terrible time.
“Our family has been left completely heartbroken and destroyed by the reckless and selfish behaviour of Ben Ord, he chose to drive a motor vehicle after excessive drinking and drug taking, with total disregard for the safety of others.
“Never again will our lives be the same. Mum and Dad were the core of our family.
“No sentence that has been given will ever be enough, as we will be serving a life sentence without them.
“Two of the most loving and kind people in the world have lost their lives for absolutely no reason, when they should be enjoying retirement and watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up, where is the justice in that.
“We hope that anyone who takes drugs or alcohol before driving thinks twice before doing so, because the trail of devastation and heartache which they would leave behind is endless.”
