A FAMILY have paid tribute to an Irishman who died after he was struck by a car driven by a drug driver.
William Joseph Corrigan, 38, of Sheeplands Walk, Bedford was struck by a car in the town February as he walked to the shops.
Emergency services attended the scene but Mr Corrigan, a father of three and stepfather of four originally from Birr, Co. Offaly, was sadly pronounced dead.
On Friday, Carl Lawrence, 39, of Church Lane, Bedford was jailed for eight years for causing death by driving whilst unfit through drugs.
Carl Lawrence was sentenced to eight years (Image: Bedfordshire Police)Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Corrigan’s family said the death of the gifted musician had been ‘unbearable’.
“We would like to thank the jury for finding Mr Lawrence guilty and accountable for his actions,” they said in a statement.
“There was never any winning or losing in this case, as the loss we bore on February 28, 2018 has been unbearable.
“We would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received.
'Never forgotten'
“We would also like to say a big thank-you to the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, especially PC Sam Sparkes and PC Matt Duric, who have been amazing.
“Also, a big thank-you to the paramedics, air ambulance and the good people of Bedford who stayed with William after the accident, and those who made witness statements.
“We are eternally grateful.
“Now, rest in peace William Joseph Corrigan. Always in our hearts, never forgotten.”
William Corrigan was originally from Co. OffalyLawrence was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs.
He also received six years for aggravated vehicle taking, three years for causing death by dangerous driving, 14 months for causing death by driving whilst unlicensed, and 14 months for causing death by driving whilst uninsured, all to run concurrently.
Deserved sentence
“Lawrence fully deserved the sentence he received,” said Sergeant James Thorne from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit.
“Hopefully he spends this time reflecting on his abhorrent actions and the irreparable damage he has caused to Mr Corrigan’s family.
“I cannot commend Mr Corrigan’s family enough. They have been through a horrendous time of it, and I can only hope that they can now feel a sense of closure following this tragic incident.”
Unlicensed and uninsured
Lawrence, who was found guilty last month, was unlicensed and uninsured when he borrowed his partner’s car without her consent.
On realising he had collided with something, he drove away, but returned briefly to observe the scene before fleeing.
Witnesses noticed the returning vehicle, and reported seeing damage consistent with a collision.
When the damaged car was traced to his home at around 3pm, Lawrence said he knew he had hit something, but thought he had collided with a dog.
He tested positive for drugs on arrest.
