A woman from Holywell has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

Samantha Roberts, 25, was found guilty by jury following a five day trial at Warrington Crown Court.

David Dutton, 51, and his son Gavin Dutton, 25, were walking along Eaton Lane, Eaton near Tarporley, at about 12.45am on Saturday, May 18, 2013 when they were both struck by a green Nissan Micra, driven by Roberts.

Eaton man David Dutton, 51, died on Saturday May 18, 2013, when he and his son Gavin were struck by a green Nissan Micra, driven by Samantha Roberts

Both David and his son were transported to hospital for treatment, where David died as a result of his injuries.

Roberts was arrested at the scene of the incident after she was found to be over the legal drink drive limit, and following a police investigation she was formally charged with death by careless driving while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

During her sentencing at Chester Crown Court the judge stated that the death of Mr Dutton was down to the arrogance and stupidity of Roberts, who was nearly three times over the drink drive limit.

Flowers and tributes to Eaton man David Dutton, 51, who died on Saturday May 18, 2013, when he and his son Gavin were struck by a green Nissan Micra, driven by Samantha Roberts

Cheshire Police Roads Policing Sergeant Rachel Gallagher said: “This incident had devastating consequences for the family of Mr Dutton, who have struggled to come to terms with what has happened.

“I hope that the sentencing that has been handed to Roberts will allow her to reflect upon the consequences of her actions that day.

“The dangers of drink driving are well known and it is an issue that we take extremely seriously and one that we target throughout the year.”

The following statement has been issued by the family of Mr Dutton: “Today is not a day for any kind of celebration; the only little comfort is knowing that justice has been served on Samantha Roberts.

“The sudden death of David, taken away from us in such unnecessary circumstances, has meant that our family has been left without a father, brother and his grandchildren will never know their grandfather.

“David′s loss has been felt far and wide and those that knew him will remember him as a kind, honest, friendly and lovable man who would do anything for anyone.

“Our whole world has been forever changed the moment that a driver decided to drive a car whilst knowingly over the drink driver limit, a decision that has devastated our family.

“At this time of year it is even harder when you have lost a loved one and we hope that anyone reading this case will understand the torture that the family have gone through in the last 18 months and reach out to anyone who may consider driving whilst having had a drink to think seriously about the consequences that their actions can cause.”