Samuel Simpkins, driving without a license and impaired, caused the death of Gemma Whitehead in a car crash. He is now jailed.
Samuel Simpkins, 39, drove the car without a license or insurance. He admitted to causing death by careless driving after drinking and taking cocaine before driving.
Lincoln Crown Court sentenced Simpkins and banned him from driving for seven years. He will need to retake his driving test later.
Gemma’s mother described the family’s shock, saying losing Gemma broke her heart. She will always remember her daughter’s smile and cries every day due to the immense trauma.
The court heard Gemma allowed Simpkins to drive, but he lost control of the BMW. The car traveled 30 meters off the road before hitting a tree. Investigators found no car problems, and police said drugs and alcohol likely caused the crash. Simpkins’ breath had 55 micrograms of alcohol, exceeding the legal limit of 35. His lawyer said he struggled with drug abuse.
Gemma had two children, and before the tragedy, they planned to move to New Zealand.
Police stated they may never know why it happened but emphasized the dangers of driving impaired. This case clearly shows the impact of substances, as control was lost on a straight road. They added that impaired driving ruins lives.
Gemma’s mother spoke to Simpkins in court, questioning how he could justify his actions. Gemma’s husband does not understand the driving, and he is hurt by Simpkins’ silence. The crash destroyed their future, and he also faces financial trouble because insurers won’t pay due to Simpkins’ actions. He said Simpkins ruined his life, and the children will grow up without a mother.