Friends of an Essex pensioner killed by a drink driver have spoken of their anger at the sentence handed out to her killer despite it being one of the severest on record.

Robert Mills, 35, from Harold Hill was this week sentenced to seven years in prison by a judge at Southend Crown Court for killing 82-year-old Stella Sand when the stolen car he was driving was involved in a horrific head-on crash in Brentwood.

Mills, of Priory Grove, Harold Hill pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while under the influence and aggravated vehicle taking as well as the lesser charges of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

A long-time friend of the pensioner from Wincanton Road, spoke of her anger at Mills' disregard for the law.

She said: "He absolutely flouted the laws of this country. He was not a youngster who did something on the spur of the moment. He should have known better.

"What makes us so angry is that people will say she was 82 but she took a very active role in the community and was on several committees, including the board of governors at Ingrebourne School and spent many years working for adult literacy. She will be very sorely missed by the community."

Mrs Sand, a front seat passenger in a Peugeot being driven by her friend, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident in Coxtie Green Road, Brentwood on March 4 of this year.

Mills was airlifted to Basildon Hospital for treatment after the crash and was arrested on his release.

Unemployed Mills, who was already serving a driving ban when he hit the Peugeot, was handed a further 12 year ban from holding a licence.

Chief Investigating Officer, Inspector Paul Fincham said: "My heart goes out to Stella's family at this time. Despite today's sentence they will never have her back.

"This crash was caused by Robert Mills' disregard for the dangers of Drink Driving and as a result a family has needlessly lost a loving person. I hope this tragedy illustrates to all drivers the horrific consequences of drink driving. Essex Police will continue to deal with this offence in a robust manor as has been illustrated again today."

Published Thursday, June 5, 2003

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