Ex-officer 'killed four in crash'

Keith Bridges said the Jeep developed a mechanical fault

A former police inspector crashed his car after a drinking session killing four people, including his wife, a French court has heard.

Keith Bridges, 52, lost control of his car just yards from his home in the Dordogne region of France in June 2006.

His wife Julie, 42, her daughter Bethany Lowe, 10, a family friend from Somerset Andrew Dyer, 41, and his 10-year-old daughter Gabriella, died.

Mr Bridges is accused of a charge akin to manslaughter and drink-driving.

'Warnings ignored'

Giving evidence to the Tribunal de Grande Instance in Bergerac, about 30 miles from the scene of the crash, Mr Bridges said in "hindsight" there "may have been something" he could have done to avoid the crash.

"Every day I try and find out what happened on that night.

"My thoughts are always with the family and my friends, who have had to suffer as a result of this."

Mr Dyer and his family, from Bridgwater, had been staying with the Bridges at their home in the village of Berbiguieres.

The court heard the group went to see some friends and drank about four bottles of wine, 22 small bottles of beer and at least a bottle of spirits in a cocktail mix before Mr Bridges got behind the wheel.

An inquest last month heard Bethany and Gabriella begged the adults not to drive the mile home - even suggesting they could drive themselves.

But the court heard Mr Bridges ignored the warnings and less than 150m from his farmhouse, his car ploughed into trees.

Died instantly

The former royal driver said the overloaded car had developed a mechanical fault and unexpectedly gained speed as he approached the corner.

An examination of the vehicle found no mechanical failings.

Bethany and Gabriella, sitting in the boot and not wearing seat belts, died instantly.

The court was told French police estimated Mr Bridges was driving at about 101kph (62mph) - well over the advised limit of 70kph (43mph).

Gabriella Dyer, the daughter of a family friend, also died in the crash

Bridges, who had 30 years' experience as a police officer, was given a blood alcohol test a few hours later which revealed he was three times the French drink-drive limit, which is about twice the UK limit, the court was told

He has also been charged with speeding and causing injury while driving a car under the influence of alcohol.

Prosecutors have asked for a four-year suspended sentence and for Mr Bridges to be stripped of his driving licence for seven years.

He also faces civil action from Bethany's natural father, Gary Goldston-Lowe.

Judges are due to return a verdict on December 15.