A Wiltshire driver has been jailed for causing a fatal crash on the A303 that killed two people.

Thelma Huse and Tony Mist, both 69, died after the red Fiat 500 they were in was struck by a blue Mercedes Citan van driven by Jessica Higgs on May 15, 2023.

Tony, who was driving the car, was pronounced deceased at the scene in West Camel and Thelma died the following day.

Higgs, of Imber Road, Warminster, now 20, was taken to hospital, where tests showed she had a quantity of benzoylecgonine in her blood that exceeded the legal limit, likely from cocaine use. 

She was arrested and charged and had previously pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of Thelma and Tony.

Higgs was sentenced to three years and five months in prison at Taunton Crown Court on Friday, August 2.

She has also been disqualified from driving for six years and eight months.

Responding to the sentence, Thelma’s family said: “Thelma’s children Kate, James and Bones, along with Tony’s children Amy and Sophie, have been through the worst year of their lives.

“Her five grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Lucy, Art and Abel have been deprived of a doting grandmother, known affectionately as Nanny Tea Bag.

“There are no winners in this case and the sentence handed out today will not bring Thelma or Tony back but we hope that Jessica Higgs will spend her time in custody reflecting on the pain she has caused our families and also on her stupidity of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after taking an illegal drug.

“We also hope that others will learn from this – as no journey is so important that it should take place when your brain is compromised by the effect of drugs."

The family also thanked the emergency services for their actions on the day, and the staff at Southmead Hospital, as well as Avon and Somerset Police who were 'commendable' in their investigation.

Tony Hall, the officer in the case, said: “Jessica Higgs was found to be over the legal limit for benzoylecgonine, and during her police interview said she had no recollection of the moments prior to the collision.

“It is every motorist’s responsibility to make sure they are fit enough to drive before getting behind the wheel and it is clear Higgs was not.

“This is another painful and devastating reminder that driving while under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts yourself and innocent road users at serious risk.”