DRUG DRIVER ANDERSON WARD JAILED AFTER GIRLFRIEND DIED
A driver accused of causing the death of his girlfriend in a car crash has been sentenced to six years in prison.Anderson Ward, 39, from Powys, Wales, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving, driving while disqualified, and possession of drugs after a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The incident occurred on the evening of 10 November 2014 between junctions 10 and 9 on the northbound M3 in Winchester, where Ward lost control of his Honda Accord and hit the central reservation.
The vehicle then spun and was struck by two other cars.
His girlfriend, Marie Hardes, aged 56 from Poole, suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital.
Ward sustained minor injuries.
The court and police officials stated that Ward had taken drugs, specifically liquid ecstasy, despite knowing the dangers, which contributed to the crash and the death of Miss Hardes.
Sgt Mark Furse described the crash as 'preventable' and highlighted that Ward showed a 'total disregard for the safety of others,' demonstrating irresponsible and selfish behavior that resulted in the tragic death of his partner of 14 years.
