A DRINK driver has been jailed for more than two years after being convicted of causing the death of his 70-year-old sister-in-law.

Sheila Barrett was a passenger in a car being driven by George Jones that crashed with another vehicle on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the East Lancashire Road, near the junction with Catchdale Moss Lane.

The fatal crash happened on 5.40pm on Thursday, 6 December, 2018.

Jones, from Kirkby, was driving his wife and her two sisters to visit a dying woman at her nursing home, the Liverpool Echo reported.

The family had received a phone call from care staff and Jones, who had been drinking, agreed to drive but he collided with another vehicle.

Sheila sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she died.

Following an investigation by Merseyside Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Jones was charged with causing death by careless driving whilst unfit through drink.

At Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday, after pleading guilty, 73-year-old Jones of St Martins Grove, Kirkby, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and disqualified from driving for three years and three months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Frank Barrett, the son of Sheila Barrett, issued the following statement, which read: "We are today still devastated at the death of our mum, grandmother and friend Sheila Barrett.

"We as a family must try to move on after my uncle George Jones caused the death of our mother due to drink driving.

"We would like to thank the Police Investigation Team and CPS for all their hard work and a separate thank you to PC Jack Hearnden (FLO) for all his support during this sad time.

"I would also like say to the lady driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. We as a family do not blame you in any way for this terrible accident.

"Goodnight and god bless Mum. Your son Frank Barrett."

Sergeant Mike Clarey, from Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident which highlights how reckless and irresponsible it is to drink drive.

"I hope George Jones now takes time to reflect on the devastation his actions have caused.

“Sheila’s family are heartbroken at her loss, but I hope today’s sentencing goes some way to allowing them to begin healing and moving forward.

“I hope this sentencing serves as a stark warning to road users who may consider driving whilst under the influence. Rest assured that any driver involved in a collision will be breathalysed and action will be taken should they fail that test.”