Drink-driver Sentenced to Prison for Teacher’s Death

Thomas Michael Sanigar, aged 39, has been incarcerated after causing the death of a teacher while driving under the influence, having consumed over eight pints of alcohol and a shot. Mr. Sanigar struck and inflicted fatal injuries upon Alex Ramsden, 30, a pedestrian, on Great Coates Road in Grimsby around 23:40 GMT on February 3. According to Humberside Police, Mr. Sanigar, residing at Tiverton Street, Cleethorpes, had spent an evening in Beverley, East Yorkshire, and was subsequently determined to be twice the legal drink-driving limit. He admitted guilt to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving and received a sentence of nine years and nine months in prison at Grimsby Crown Court. During the court proceedings on Thursday, Mr. Sanigar was also issued a driving prohibition lasting 16 years and six months. Police reported that he had been at an event in Beverley, consuming seven pints of Madri lager, one pint of Guinness, one bottle of Heineken lager, and a shot. Subsequently, while driving with two companions, Mr. Sanigar drove onto a pavement, striking Mr. Ramsden, who was returning home after an encounter with a friend. Mr. Ramsden succumbed to his injuries at the location of the incident, and Mr. Sanigar subsequently failed a roadside breath test. A statement issued by Humberside Police included comments from Mr. Ramsden’s mother, who stated there were “no words to describe the complete and utter devastation”. She further remarked, “My boy Alex is gone, never to return and that is something I have to live with.” Her statement also included, “Since Alex was killed, the family dog, but really Alex’s dog, Phoenix, has been waiting at the window looking for him, pacing the house, awaiting his arrival back home.” Chief Inspector William Jenkins expressed his condolences to the family, adding, “I hope that knowing Sanigar is now behind bars for his reckless actions will bring them some comfort.” He also stated, “Throughout December, we will continue to target those who drive under the influence, carrying out roadside tests for both drink and drug driving, which can have just as devastating consequences for families.”