Teen who inhaled nitrous oxide at the wheel jailed for killing two OAPs
A VAN driver who inhaled laughing gas at the wheel, killing two OAPs, has been jailed for nearly ten years.
William Thompson tried to overtake the women in their Nissan Micra on the northbound carriageway of the A41, Berkhamsted, Herts, but clipped their car instead.
Despite the pair wearing their seatbelts they were killed instantly.
Jean Malone, 76, and Mary Davis, 66, had been to bingo last May.
Police found silver bottles of nitrous oxide in his Peugeot Expert Pro and he was seen by other drivers with a balloon to his lips and driving 'stupidly fast and aggressive' on the build up to the crash.
When inhaled, nitrous oxide can cause feelings of euphoria, dizziness, difficulty in thinking straight, fits of laughter, sound distortions or even hallucinations.
PC Andy Ralph, of Hertfordshire Police, said: “This was a highly distressing incident for all involved and one that would have been completely avoidable had Thompson made a different decision that night.
“There is never an excuse for driving under the influence of any substance that could impede your ability behind the wheel.
“To lose a loved one in any circumstance is unthinkable, but in this situation it is especially heart-breaking.
“Thompson’s stupidity has taken the lives of two wonderful ladies who were on their way home from running their regular bingo night in Hendon when the collision occurred.
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“Now those who have been left behind will have to deal with a lifetime of emotional suffering.
“I know nothing will bring Jean and Mary back, but I hope seeing Thompson put behind bars will help their families gain some sort of closure on what has been an extremely traumatic time for them.”
Thompson, 18, of Weston Turville, Bucks, admitted death by dangerous driving at Luton crown court, with a jail sentence of nine years and 10 months imposed by judge.