Jake Cooley was sentenced to six years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving
A “selfish” drug-driver has been jailed after killing a much-loved mother in Barnsley.
Deborah Girgis, 64, died following a collision at Haigh Roundabout, near M1 Junction 38, on 25 October 2024. Jake Cooley, 30, of Doncaster, received a six-year prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving on Friday, 19 December.
Mrs Girgis was driving a Citroen DS3 whilst Cooley was behind the wheel of a Vivaro van. She had left the M1 and was stationary at the roundabout, waiting to exit the slip road.
Cooley failed to navigate the right-hand bend whilst travelling around the roundabout and collided head-on with Mrs Girgis. Her vehicle was forced across two lanes before stopping on the grass verge. She was transported to hospital where she tragically succumbed to her injuries, reports Yorkshire Live.
Cooley was detained at the scene and underwent drink and drug testing. He failed the roadside screening for cannabis and cocaine, with subsequent blood analysis revealing he was almost six times over the legal limit for cocaine.
Sergeant John Taylor of South Yorkshire Police commented: “My thoughts remain with everyone who loved Deborah, and while this sentencing brings a conclusion to securing justice for Deborah and her family, it does not end their grief.
“Poor decisions made by Cooley led to Deborah’s death. His selfish actions to get behind the wheel with drugs in his system and the lack of concentration cost Deborah her life.
“Everyone deserves to return home from their journeys and shouldn’t lose their lives because of a lack of regard from other drivers. We all have a part to play in ensuring our roads are safe for all road users, and Cooley had no regard for this. I hope knowing that he will now serve time in prison for his actions brings Deborah’s family a small amount of closure.”
Alongside his custodial sentence, the judge handed Cooley an eight-year driving ban and mandated that he take an extended retest before being allowed back on the roads.
