AN ARBORFIELD woman has been jailed for nearly six years for her role a fatal collision on the A327 in 2021.
Bridgette Rooney, 38, of Eversley Road, was driving a VW Golf on the Reading Road despite being under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Her car was driven on to the wrong side of the road where she collided with a Peugeot driven by Kieron Johnson.
He was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital but died from his serious injuries.
Rooney was also taken to the hospital and a blood sample taken. This was found to contain a mixture of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription medication.
She was charged on 15 November last year.
At a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, July 14, she was given a jail sentence of five years and nine months. She is also banned from driving for seven years and 10 months. At the end of this, Rooney will need to undertake an extended re-test.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Dunne of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I would firstly like to pay tribute to Kieron’s family and friends, who have shown tremendous patience while we investigated the tragic circumstances that led to his death.
“Rooney chose to drive a motor vehicle while heavily intoxicated through both alcohol and drugs, and the result of her actions were a tragic and needless loss of life.
“Driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is one of the Fatal Four, and this tragic case shows the consequences that can occur if you take that decision.
“Rooney will now serve a custodial sentence as a result of her actions, and although I know that no sentence will serve as solace to Kieron’s family, I hope that they are able to move on with their lives in the knowledge that she has been brought to justice.”
