Mother Killed in Front of Daughters: Drink-Driver Receives Prison Sentence

A motorist driving under the influence of alcohol, responsible for the death of a mother witnessed by two of her daughters following a birthday shopping excursion, has received a prison sentence of 10 years and eight months. Lijuan Wu, aged 40, suffered immediate fatal injuries when a Nissan vehicle collided with her and her daughters, aged seven and 16, on August 8th on Barrowby Road in Grantham. Ashley Towning, 30, residing at Winchester Road, Grantham, admitted culpability for charges including causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene, and driving while intoxicated. During his sentencing at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday, Judge Simon Hirst remarked: “The impact on this family has been truly catastrophic.” The court was informed that Ms Wu, 40, had traveled to Nottingham for a shopping trip with her two daughters, with the elder daughter marking her birthday. Phil Howes, representing the prosecution, stated that the family was proceeding home on foot subsequent to taking the train back to Grantham when the vehicle ascended the pavement. Telephone records indicated that Towning placed multiple calls to his former girlfriend subsequent to purchasing a bottle of vodka from a corner shop in Grantham just after 18:30 BST on August 8th. Mr Howes further stated that Towning had initiated two of these calls while operating the vehicle and remained on the phone at approximately 18:38, when the collision occurred. Ms Wu’s daughters were transported to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, where they received treatment for injuries classified as minor. Testimony presented in court revealed that Towning briefly attended to the youngest child before being overheard uttering, “I can’t be here” and “I’m off”. Notwithstanding attempts to detain him at the location, Towning absconded, discarding his shirt after a jogger gave chase. A witness recounted Towning collapsing to the ground upon his return to his parents’ residence on Winchester Road, where law enforcement subsequently apprehended him. Mr Howes informed the court that two bottles of vodka—one full and one empty—were discovered inside the vehicle. It was disclosed in court that Towning’s system contained cannabis levels just above the legal driving limit, and cocaine levels four times the legal limit. Godfey Barlow, a police accident investigator, determined that Towning’s inattention was the cause of the collision and established that the Nissan was moving at a speed exceeding 30mph (48 km/h) when it struck Ms Wu. The court was apprised that Towning possessed several prior convictions for violent offenses and had previously been given a suspended sentence for driving under the influence after a police chase in Grantham on November 19, 2020. Mr Howes additionally presented concise victim impact statements from Ms Wu’s husband and her eldest daughter. In his submitted statement, Ms Wu’s husband articulated “how I just want to die, but I know I can’t because I have three beautiful children”. He further stated: “Every night I lie awake with a broken heart.” He also expressed that his eldest daughter would now be unable to experience joy on her birthday. Neil Sands, representing Towning in mitigation, mentioned that his client had composed a brief note conveying his unequivocal remorse. “To jump in that car is the worst mistake I’ve ever made,” was written by Mr Towning. Towning also received a driving prohibition for a period of 10 years and four months, after which he will be required to pass an extended driving examination.