Drink-drive victim was 'princess'

Amanda Coulton was killed instantly by Daniel Storey's "suicidal" driving

The family of a woman killed by a drink-driver has paid tribute to a "treasured princess" who "loved everything she did".

Daniel Storey, 29, from Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, will serve eight years for killing 21-year-old Amanda Coulton.

Angela Coulton said her daughter dreamt about a fairytale wedding, but "instead of white horses taking her to a wedding, they took her to the grave".

She added that the family from Dyserth was having to serve a life sentence.

Ms Coulton's father Derek said Daniel Storey's eight-year sentence was the best they could have hoped for, despite calling for a longer jail term.

Storey was more than twice the legal alcohol limit when his car hit a Peugeot Ms Coulton was travelling in on 8 January this year.

He had previous convictions for driving while disqualified and drink-driving. He was unlicensed and uninsured to drive the car which killed Ms Coulton and left the driver Jack Wall seriously injured.

However long Daniel Storey got, he would never suffer like us Angela Coulton

Speaking on the steps of Mold Crown Court after Storey had been sentenced, he said they had been warned to expect a sentence of four or five years.

He added: "I think this is the best we could have hoped for.

"I am pleased with the eight years but of course it will never bring Amanda back."

Reading from an emotional statement, his wife said she hoped the case would deter drink drivers.

Storey was driving drunk, while unlicensed and uninsured

She said: "Amanda was our treasured princess and will be missed dearly.

"There are no words to describe the emptiness and devastation Daniel Storey has caused.

"The domino effect on all Amanda's family and friends is unreal.

"We are all having to face a life sentence unlike him.

"Amanda loved everything she did and had so many expectations.

"He has taken them all away."

Mrs Coulton said her daughter was "a self-nominated Disney Princess" who dreamt about a big fairy-tale wedding.

She added: "However long Daniel Storey got, he would never suffer like us nor will he ever know the true consequences of his actions by getting behind the wheel of that car.

"If someone is listening to this and they drive in an unfit state, please think about the damage you can cause to an innocent person and their family."