Inspirational, hardworking, beautiful, and resilient were just some of the words that filled a small room at Leeds Crown Court on Tuesday as the family and friends of Alice Birchall gathered in courtroom 10's jury box, anxiously awaiting the sentencing of her killer, Jonathon Hopkinson.
His Honour Judge Tom Bayliss condemned Hopkinson for his reckless and fatal decisions that led to Alice being struck by his out-of-control vehicle on June 18, 2022.
Despite knowing he was over the drink-drive limit, Hopkinson made the choice to drive with his daughter in the car, reaching speeds grossly exceeding the limits over a significant distance.
The court heard how Hopkinson, aged 35, had been driving at 100mph in areas with a 30mph speed limit at around 8.30pm. His irresponsible actions resulted not only in Alice's death but also left him and his daughter with severe injuries. READ MORE: It should have been the happiest day.
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