Mother of girl killed in car crash issues plea to drink drivers

Karen Marchant said her family have been left ‘scarred for life’ by the death of their daughter Rebecca, who fell victim to a drink driver in February 2016.

Now, the mother is supporting a police campaign to deter people from getting behind the wheel under the influence.

Karen told the Daily Echo: “I’m trying to get a message out there that it’s not ok to drink and drive.

"Hopefully if people stop and listen then I can stop the same situation happening to another family.”

• Read more: Drink drivers play Russian roulette, says mum of 15-year-old girl killed in Mercedes crash in the New Forest

Rebecca had been the front seat passenger of a Mercedes E350 when it had collided with a tree along Hordle Lane in Lymington.

The driver had fled the scene, but on arrest was found to be twice over the drink drive limit and had traces of cannabis in his system.

Rebecca Marchant (Image: Karen Marchant)

Thirty-four-year-old Alex McBride was sentenced to four years and four months in prison and banned from driving for five years and two months at Bournemouth Crown Court in March 2016.

• Read more: Alexander McBride jailed for four years over crash which killed Rebecca Marchant

Karen described her daughter as a “typical 15-year-old girl” with a love of dancing and makeup, a big group of friends, and dreams for the future.

She said: “She had plans for her future. She used to talk a lot about what she wanted to do, but obviously that never happened, it was all taken away from her.

“She had two older brothers who were nearly 21 and 18 at the time. They were absolutely devastated to lose their baby sister. It has affected them.

“None of the family have ever gotten over it. Nobody expects to outlive their children.

"It's scarred us for life."

Karen is supporting the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Op Holly campaign, which sees officers stepping up enforcement of drink and drug driving throughout December each year.

She hopes that her experiences, alongside the campaign, will make people think twice about driving under the influence.

She said: “You may think you’re ok, but drink and drugs impair your thought process. Yes, you will probably get away with it several times, but there’s always a chance that you won’t, and the results of that are catastrophic.

“If you know someone that’s had a drink or taken drugs, don’t let them get behind the wheel of the car. Stop them.”