Lee Pell, of Church Street West, Pinxton, admitted causing the death of Hilda Jepson at a previous hearing and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday.

The court was told Pell was banned in 2002 for drink driving and on three other occasions for driving whilst disqualified and with excess alcohol.

On 17th May, Pell hit the pensioner as she crossed Sutton Road in Huthwaite and the 88-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court was told Pell admitted being 'bladdered drunk' the night before and he had drunk four pints of cider before the accident.

A breath test showed he was more than twice over the drink drive limit and CCTV footage showed he was travelling at around 50 mph just before the collision happened.

The judge told Pell he was driving 'far too fast' and there was 'no justification to why you did not see her'.

Pell was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and was also handed a 10-year driving ban.

Speaking after the case, Mrs Jepson's son Ray said no amount of time behind bars for Pell would be enough for him and his grieving family.

"The family of Hilda Jepson was here today not for revenge but for justice.

"On Sunday the 17th May, Lee Pell took away the heart of our family, a woman who was loved by all and one that will be sadly missed. When Hilda died so did part of our family, and Pell will have to live with the fact that it was his actions that killed her.

"Hilda was a vibrant eighty-eight year young woman who was getting ready to visit Canada for the twenty-first time.

"Two of her children, and four of her grandchildren, waiting for her. Instead, they arrived in England a few days after her death to attend her funeral, and the funeral of Hilda's younger sister Irene, who died a few days after learning of her tragic death.

"Four children, ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two brothers, one sister, daughters in law, one son in law, nieces, nephews, family members, close friends and a whole community are struggling to come to terms with Pell's lack of respect for himself, his family, the laws of this country and for a special lady who was only trying to cross the road.

"We hope Pell is remorseful, sad and truly sorry for what he has done, but no amount of time in prison will be enough for our family. Hilda is gone and will not return. He, however, will return to freedom and a life."

And Chief Insp Andy Charlton, head of Nottinghamshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, welcomed the sentence and said it would send out a strong message to folk who think it is acceptable to drink and drive.

"This is the fifth time Lee Pell has been convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol, and this time the combination of alcohol and excessive speed have led to the death of an innocent 88-year-old woman," he said.

"Nottinghamshire Police, along with its partner agencies, work tirelessly to educate drivers about the dangers of both drink-driving and speeding, but for some people the message just doesn't seem to get through.

"Lee Pell appears to be one of those people and his selfish actions have taken Hilda Jepson's life. We're pleased that the judge has handed down such a lengthy sentence, and hope that it makes anyone else who thinks it is acceptable to drink and drive sit up and pay attention to what we are saying."

For full story see Wednesday's Chad