Killer drink-driver who was forgiven by Kettering family loses bid to get licence back early

A drink-driver who killed a couple after driving on the wrong side of the A14 has failed in a bid to have his disqualification ended early.

William Wilson was twice the legal limit when he drove head-on into the path of Stephen Donnelly, 26, and Mandy Gold, 21, near Kelmarsh in June 2013.

He had been seen slowing down, accelerating erratically and clipping kerbs in the moments before crashing into Stephen and Mandy's car, killing them both. The tragic couple, who were planning to marry, had been driving back to Yorkshire after a family wedding in Kettering where Stephen, a gifted guitarist and pianist, had been performing.

Wilson spent more than four years behind bars but was forgiven by Stephen's parents Sue and Mark, from Kettering, who visited him in prison in Doncaster before his release in 2017. He remains on licence.

Judge Richard Bray had told Wilson, now aged 40, that his driving was so dreadful he would be disqualified for 10 years, which under legislation at the time meant an effective six-year ban once he was released.

But yesterday (Monday), with more than two years of the ban left to run, he appealed to get his licence back early at Northampton Crown Court.

The court heard Wilson, of Brigg near Scunthorpe, wanted to be able to drive again before the disqualification period ends so his elderly father, who has health issues and currently drives him to his building job every day, could retire.

Gwyn Lewis, who represented Wilson, said: "He is very sorry for what he did...what he asks today is to be able to get on with his life and to be able to drive for the benefit of his father."

Mr Lewis told the court that even if his application was granted it would still likely be some time before Wilson was back behind the wheel as he is required to take an extended re-test and another theory test, something which is harder during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He added that Wilson has had difficulties finding other jobs since his release from prison, has been doing "everything asked of him" by a probation team and has shown genuine remorse for his actions.

He said: "It's something he will always regret."

Wilson was returning home from a Travellers’ fair in Cambridge when he caused the crash but had no recollection of the incident.

The court heard he had a poor driving record, another previous drink-driving conviction and had nine points on his licence at the time of the crash.

Jonathan Eley, representing the Crown, said they had received no evidence to back up Wilson's argument for being given his licence back now.

He added: "The disqualification was not just obligatory, it was part of the punishment for the offence."

And Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane agreed that Wilson should not be allowed behind the wheel early.

She said: "I accept that his behaviour since his release, his employment, is all positive but given the nature of the offences...I do not consider that the disqualification should be removed."

Judge Crane added that she could give no indication as to when any further application to end the disqualification early would be acceptable.