Man causes death of pregnant girlfriend in fatal drink-drive collision in Morden

November 4, 2014, 12:56 pm

A drunk father-to-be got behind the wheel of his car and lost control of the vehicle colliding with his six months pregnant partner, 22-year-old Jessica Fenner on the evening of 5 July.

Daniel Dutfield, 24 (18/09/89) of Trinity Crescent, SW17 pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court on 15 September to causing the death of Jessica Fenner by dangerous driving on the evening of Saturday, 5 July in Glastonbury Road, Morden.

Detective Constable Iain Lister, who led the investigation for the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit in south-west London said: “This case is a tragic example of the devastation that can be caused by driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

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“On the 5 July 2014, Mr Dutfield drove whilst drunk and lost control of his car colliding with Jessica. At the time of the incident Jessica was pregnant with Mr Dutfield’s child, who also sadly died.

“This case shows how drink driving destroys lives. It has been a long and emotional case for all involved but especially for Jessica’s family.”

The court heard how on the night of the collision Jessica Fenner, who was six months pregnant with Dutfield’s child, had been at her baby shower that was being thrown at Dutfield’s parents address in Morden.

Dutfield had left the celebration at 2011hrs and drove his car away from the address. As he returned to Glastonbury Road he lost control of the vehicle when turning a corner at speed and mounted the pavement hitting his pregnant partner who was in the street looking for him.

Jessica was taken to St Georges Hospital where she later died.

Dutfield was arrested for drink driving and on 7 July was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Croydon Crown Court on 15 September and was sentenced at the same court on 31 October to four years and six months imprisonment.

Detective Constable Lister added: “The sentence will not bring Jessica back, but I do hope that it will provide a measure of comfort and justice to the Fenner family and that they are now able to move on.”