Leicester driver jailed for causing head-on crash in Rutland which killed couple
An uninsured driver has been jailed for four years after causing a head-on crash which killed a couple.
Simarjeet Singh, 35, was found guilty at Leicester Crown Court in November last year of causing the deaths of Ian Gale, 58, and his wife Gail, 64, by careless driving.
He was also found guilty of two counts of causing death by driving while uninsured and two counts of causing death while driving without a licence.
Today (Friday) he was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from driving for four years. He must also sit an extended retest when re-applying for his licence.
Singh was driving a Citroen C4 Picasso at around 6.14pm on November 18, 2022 along the A47 Leicester Road, near Belton, in Rutland, when a witness reported seeing him swerve and then turn into the path of oncoming traffic.
He crashed head-on with a Hyundai i10 driven by Mrs Gale, with Mr Gale sat in the passenger seat.
Mr and Mrs Gale were both pronounced dead at the scene, while Singh - who did not have a full driving licence or valid insurance - sustained minor injuries.
A forensic examination decided the swerve carried out by Singh indicated loss of concentration or distraction. Neither driver was travelling at excess speed.
Singh, of Dishley Lane, Leicester, said there had been a stone or animal in the road, but no evidence of a bump, stone or animal was found in the road or grass verges. He was charged in February 2024.
Speaking after the conviction, Mrs Gale’s daughter Emma Johnson, 34, said: “When I found out about mum’s death I was shocked and stressed.
“I was due to give birth imminently and the stress could potentially have been detrimental to my baby’s health.
“Imagine then having to identity your parents’ bodies, hours after giving birth to your child; mum’s grandchild; the grandchild she would never meet. That is what I had to do.
“There is absolutely no justification for driving without a licence, putting everybody else on the road at risk.
“Knowing mum won’t get the chance to see her youngest grandchild or have a relationship with my four children is heartbreaking.
“She will miss out on having this relationship through no fault of her own. It is absolutely devastating to me.”
Detective Constable Anna Andrew, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a heartbreaking incident to investigate.
“The actions of Singh show the devastating impact that careless driving and driving without a licence or insurance can have.
“There is no excuse or any reason to ever do this. It is putting lives, including your own, at risk.
“My thoughts remain with the family of Mr and Mrs Gale. The words provided above are brave and show the true impact and devastation that careless driving can cause.
“No family should ever have to go through this and I thank Emma for her courage and co-operation with us to help bring this investigation before the courts.”
