A 21-year-old van driver, Anton Hull, described as "selfish," has been sentenced to six years in jail and a nine-year driving ban after admitting to causing the death of a 29-year-old woman, Sarah Baker. The tragic incident occurred on August 18, 2022, near Wincanton, Somerset, when Hull, who had been drinking rum and lager in a pub, collided with Ms. Baker's Volkswagen. Ms. Baker, who had recently completed her Master's degree and was on her way to Somerset for a weekend getaway after putting in an offer on her first home, lost her life in the crash.
Despite being refused further drinks by bar staff due to his noticeable intoxication, Hull chose to drive home, ignoring pleas not to do so. A subsequent blood test revealed that he was approximately one-and-a-half to two times over the legal drink-drive limit. Videos found on Hull's phone showed that he had filmed himself at the wheel, stating, "I don't know about you, but I'm smashed."
The family of Ms. Baker, originally from Kent but residing in London, expressed the profound impact of their loss, stating, "The loss of Sarah has left a gaping hole in our hearts. Over a year has passed, and every single day, we have struggled to know how to carry on without her." They described Sarah as a caring, loyal, and generous individual and expressed the unnecessary pain caused by her death, emphasizing that it was entirely preventable. They attributed her demise to the "utterly selfish act" of one individual, which not only took her life but also disrupted the lives of those around her.
Anton Hull received a six-year prison sentence and a nine-year driving ban for his admission of causing death by dangerous driving.