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Dustbin driver jailed for deaths Dustbin driver jailed for deaths
(31 minutes later)
The driver of an out-of-control dustbin lorry which hit and killed two tourists in New York has been given a minimum 20 year jail sentence.The driver of an out-of-control dustbin lorry which hit and killed two tourists in New York has been given a minimum 20 year jail sentence.
Jacqueline Timmins, 47, and Andrew Hardie, 48, from Yeovil, were on holiday last year when they were hit.Jacqueline Timmins, 47, and Andrew Hardie, 48, from Yeovil, were on holiday last year when they were hit.
Driver Auvryn Scarlett, 54, who failed to tell bosses about his epilepsy and refused to take his medication, was convicted of murder.Driver Auvryn Scarlett, 54, who failed to tell bosses about his epilepsy and refused to take his medication, was convicted of murder.
New York's Supreme Court heard Scarlett suffered a seizure at the wheel.New York's Supreme Court heard Scarlett suffered a seizure at the wheel.
A third person was badly injured in the incident, for which the defendant was given a 10-year prison sentence.A third person was badly injured in the incident, for which the defendant was given a 10-year prison sentence.
Ticking 'timebomb'Ticking 'timebomb'
Judge Richard Carruthers said Scarlett's decision not to take his medication - due in part because it interfered with his enjoyment of alcohol, the court heard - meant he had become "a timebomb ready to explode" on the streets of New York.Judge Richard Carruthers said Scarlett's decision not to take his medication - due in part because it interfered with his enjoyment of alcohol, the court heard - meant he had become "a timebomb ready to explode" on the streets of New York.
He added that the "profoundly irresponsible act" had the result that "in the blink of an eye, two lovers walking hand in hand were struck down and taken away from the bosom of their families".He added that the "profoundly irresponsible act" had the result that "in the blink of an eye, two lovers walking hand in hand were struck down and taken away from the bosom of their families".
Auvryn Scarlett had a seizure at the wheel of his dustcart
Ms Timmins had bought tickets to New York for herself and her partner Mr Hardie, originally from Plymouth, as a Valentine treat.Ms Timmins had bought tickets to New York for herself and her partner Mr Hardie, originally from Plymouth, as a Valentine treat.
Deputy district attorney Christopher Ryan told the court: "The idea that only two people were killed when that truck rolled up on the sidewalk is bordering on miraculous.Deputy district attorney Christopher Ryan told the court: "The idea that only two people were killed when that truck rolled up on the sidewalk is bordering on miraculous.
"But it is certainly of no consolation to the Timmins or the Hardie family. To put yourself behind the wheel knowing that could happen is depraved."But it is certainly of no consolation to the Timmins or the Hardie family. To put yourself behind the wheel knowing that could happen is depraved.
"It is a conscious disregard for the safety of everybody else on the street.""It is a conscious disregard for the safety of everybody else on the street."
Scarlett's defence lawyer told the court his client "was no monster", but a man who had been involved in a tragic accident.Scarlett's defence lawyer told the court his client "was no monster", but a man who had been involved in a tragic accident.