Dustbin driver jailed for deaths

The last pictures of the couple were salvaged from their camera

The driver of an out-of-control dustbin lorry which hit and killed two tourists in New York City 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.

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.

A third person was badly injured in the incident near Madison Square Garden for which the defendant was given a 10-year prison sentence.

Ticking 'timebomb'

Members of Ms Timmins' family have welcomed the sentence on Scarlett.

Her former husband Robin said: "In this country he could have got a suspended sentence and a slap on the wrist.

"What value does that put on a person's life?"

Ms Timmins' son Paul said he found sitting through the trial "very hard".

"Nobody should ever have to go through something as traumatic as this," he said.

He added: "I will always remember Mum as a very happy person and devoted mother who was always there for all of us."

Auvryn Scarlett had a seizure at the wheel of his dustcart

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".

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".

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.

"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."

Scarlett's defence lawyer told the court his client "was no monster", but a man who had been involved in a tragic accident.