A man who caused death by dangerous driving has been jailed by Deemster Doyle for a total of four years.

29 year old Gordon Thomas Lewis of Slieu Curn Park, Kirk Michael, admitted the offence and also further offences of driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and a driving licence, and failing to supply a breath sample.

Stuart Peters reports:

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The defendant's car was heading down Ballamodha Straight on the evening of June 9th 2005 when Lewis lost control and crashed into hedges on either side of the road.The car then went up into the air and landed on the roof of another car. The driver of that car, a Ford Fiesta, suffered severe leg injuries.

The passenger in Lewis's car, his girlfriend Agnieszka Darul-Gibalska died instantly from her injuries. Lewis sustained neck and leg injuries.

Peter Carle, prosecuting, said the defendant was disqualified from driving in May 2004 by the High Bailiff for an offence of drink driving, and told he could not drive until he sat and passed a driving test. However he had failed to apply for a licence or a test.

Speed checks were carried out, and Lewis's speed was estimated to be 106 mph. Mr Carle said the samples that Lewis supplied were insufficient for the breath test machine.

His advocate said the defendant had admitted his guilt immediately. He had no recollection of events and had surrendered his bail because he was aware he would receive a custodial sentence. He wished on many occasions he could turn the clock back, and was showing deep and genuine remorse. The accident, he said, had had a deep and lasting impact on him.

Deemster Doyle told Lewis he was driving at a grossly excessive speed, and was in breach of a court order which was deliberately flouted.

He said he would give credit for the immediate pleas of guilt and genuine remorse.

Lewis was banned from driving for five years.