Dad yelled “Oh my God” seconds before a drunk BMW driver killed him in a head-on collision, according to the court

A father yelled “Oh my God” seconds before a drunk driver in a BMW killed him in a head-on collision, a court heard – as the driver, who was still twice the limit six hours later, was sentenced to 56 months in prison .

William Ludlow, a “beloved family man”, was critically injured when intoxicated Andrew Stinchcomb, 40, crashed into his car at high speed. The victim died in hospital two days later.

The fatal motorist was still more than double the limit when his alcohol levels were tested six hours after the crash.

He was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday after admitting to causing the death through careless driving.

William Ludlow, pictured, a “beloved family man” and father, yelled “Oh my God” seconds before a drunk driver in a BMW killed him in a head-on collision, a court heard

Andrew Stinchcomb, 40, pictured, was still more than double the limit when his alcohol levels were tested six hours after the accident. He has been in prison for 56 months

Prosecutor Gerald Baxter described both parties driving on Willaston Road in Neston on the afternoon of July 26, 2021.

Stinchcomb’s BMW 3 Series and Mr Ludlow’s Nissan were traveling in opposite directions as they approached a bend in the road at 50 miles per hour.

However, the suspect swerved into the lane of the oncoming pensioner, causing the fatal collision. Both men had to be cut out of their cars by firefighters.

Mr Ludlow was flown to Royal Stoke Hospital after “catastrophic injuries”. He died two days later on July 28, the cause of death being “severe chest and abdominal injuries.”

Meanwhile, Stinchcomb was helicoptered to Aintree Hospital from Marshlands Road, Little Neston.

The father-of-two told police at the scene he had been “drinking liquor” and had 165 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood in his system when he gave a sample more than six hours later – with the legal limit being 80 micrograms.

In an interview, the 40-year-old revealed that he had taken his children to school in the morning before returning home. Stinchcomb said he then went to a liquor store and bought cans of beer, drank one on the beach before throwing the others away.

Mr Stinchcomb was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday after admitting to causing the death through careless driving

He “wasn’t sure” if he’d consumed more alcohol at home, telling police he “thought he was a safe and considerate driver” and “had afterwards regretted getting in the car.” The motorist also reported that he had a “poor history of mental health.”

Carol Slater, Mr Ludlow’s passenger, described the victim as ‘a good driver who always drove carefully’. After the accident, she reported that Stinchcomb was driving at “high speed” and “slammed onto her side of the road.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ludlow had “no chance of avoiding the collision” as the other car was “directly ahead of them,” Ms Slater told officers. She also reported hearing him say “Oh my God” as the BMW appeared “above them.”

Another driver following behind estimated they were both traveling at around 40 mph. His wife recalled that Stinchcombe was “going way too fast” and Mr Ludlow “didn’t stand a chance”.

The woman spoke to the drunk driver after the accident, and he told her he’d had “a few drinks.”

A passing doctor who stopped to render assistance said he could smell alcohol on his breath.

Stinchcombe – who has no criminal record – had a flat tire on the front side of his car while one of his rear tires was under-inflated. The vehicle was found to have been “driven a certain distance” in this condition.

Sarah Holt, defending herself, told the court: “Mr Stinchcomb is responsible for the death of Mr Ludlow and he accepts full responsibility for it. This responsibility has placed a burden on him that he will carry not for the duration of his sentence but for the duration of his life.

“He is consumed with guilt, shame and most of all remorse for Mr Ludlow’s family who have suffered the most devastating loss as a result of his actions.

“He is also filled with remorse, guilt and shame towards his own family, who will suffer the consequences of his actions that day – leaving his partner and children in a position where their partner and father are not at home.”

She added: “Testimonials speak volumes about the kind of man he usually is and the high regard he is held in by so many. The only way he can even attempt to express how terribly and truly he feels sorry for Mr. Ludlow’s family is to enter his guilty plea, and do so as soon as possible.’

Several family members of both men were in court during the hearing. Mr Ludlow’s wife and son held hands while Stinchcomb served 56 months behind bars.

Sentencing Judge Stuart Driver KC said: “This case concerns the untimely death of Mr William Ludlow. He was a popular family man.

“The loss to his relatives and friends is impossible to calculate. A blood sample was taken from you six hours after the accident and your alcohol content was 165 micrograms per 100 ml.

“Common sense tells us it must have been higher at the time of the accident. It is accepted that your driving style can be considered not far from dangerous.

“The court may take into account the numerous testimonials that value your personal qualities highly. I take into account that you were suffering from poor mental health at the time which contributed to your offense.’

He added: “Your family, including your two young children, will be separated from you for a long time. Mr. Ludlow’s family was completely bereft of him.

“They have shown genuine remorse and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. I thank Mr. Ludlow’s family for the dignity shown in these proceedings.’

Stinchcomb looked tearful during the hearing and was seen shaking in the dock.

The driver nodded to the judge and softly said “thank you” after the verdict was pronounced. He was also banned from driving for six years and four months.