Statement from hit-and-run victim's husband

Paula Barnes was today (Tuesday 26 February) sentenced to 8 years 5 months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to surrender. She had been on the run in Holland for 18 months after the crash at Foxhill, Baydon, near Swindon in September 2010. Diane Wright, a primary school teacher from Royal Wootton Bassett, was killed instantly when Barnes, drink driving on the wrong side of the road, crashed into her car. The following excerpts come from a victim statement presented to the court by her husband, David Wright:

"Diane was a fantastic wife, friend, mother and work colleague. There is not a day goes by without us all think of her and no words can express just how much we miss her."

"Our daughter Lucy was unfortunate enough to come across the incident. ... She will have to live with the sight of the mangled wreckage where her mother was killed for the rest of her life."

"Diane and I would talk about the future, we would talk about having time together when the girls had grown up and flown the nest. Diane was so proud of the girls. She would dream for their future."

"None of our dreams or aspirations are now possible, due to a stupid, drunken, inconsiderate woman. I don't think she will ever learn the extent of what she has done or the effect she has had on so many people."

"Paula Barnes killed a wonderful wife and a wonderful mother. I want her to know that. I want her to know that for the rest of her life."