Demi-Elise Michaud, 25, was behind the wheel of her father’s Kia Ceed when it collided with an A590 bridge between Backbarrow and Haverthwaite. Preston Crowd Court was informed that the car hit the bridge with such force that it was cut in two. Matthew Brown, 22, was thrown from the vehicle and died instantly. He was described as the “beloved father and father” of Michaud’s two children, Lancs Live reports. READ MORE:A man was holding a gun to his head outside the Royal Liverpool Hospital Lawyer Paul Cummings told the court on November 27, 2019, that the couple was enjoying a family vacation with their two children and Michaud’s parents at the Center Parcs near Penrith. However, the couple left the park to go shopping for drugs, he said. Moments before the crash, Matthew was texting Michaud’s phone with her participation, urinating on a bottle of beer. The road was dark, wet and poorly lit, Mr Cummings said. Michaud lost control of the vehicle as she approached a bridge while traveling at 60 miles per hour. He ran on a grass before it collided with the parapet. Matthew’s seat belt broke and he was thrown from the vehicle, landing on the road “a short distance” from the car. At 1.20am, two police officers on patrol found themselves in the “scene of disaster”, two miles outside Newby Bridge. Miso told them: “I lost my concentration and hit a wall.” Demi Michaud (Image: Facebook) The tests concluded that the driver had consumed a small amount of alcohol but did not exceed the legal limit to drive. Her cell phone revealed that the couple had left the children at the Center Parcs with their grandparents – however the drugs they were buying did not play a role in the conflict, she was informed in court. Mr Cummings said: “It is accepted that her speed was a contributing factor. She may have misunderstood a lay-off for starting the double deck, which may have contributed to her miscalculation.” Defendant Oliver Jarvis said Michaud had been in a relationship with Matthew since the birth of her eldest child. The couple had another child, who was six months old at the time of the collision. She said Michaud had taken care of her two children after the conflict and was “doing what it takes to get Matthew right from that awful, awful night”. After his death, Matthew’s family said: “Matthew was a loving son, grandson and brother. He was also a very devoted father, stepfather and family man. He will be sorely missed by anyone who knew him.” Michaud, from Blawith, Ulverston, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. Preston Honorary Recorder Judge Robert Altham was sentenced to 14 months in prison. He said he did not lose sight of the impact on the children of the loss of their mother in custody even for a short time. However he said that the children will be taken care of by their grandparents, giving some stability. He said: “This is an offense in which appropriate punishment can only be achieved through immediate detention.” Register here
