The family of a "beautiful" 30-year-old mum of three who was killed by a "remorseless" drunk hit and run driver say they miss her every day.
Keita Mullen tragically had her life taken from her at the hands of a careless driver who consumed 11 pints of lager and had no licence, no insurance, and was speeding on High Street in Bawtry, South Yorkshire.
Matthew Harris, 36 of Burcroft Avenue was sentenced last week to 10 years and eight months for killing Mullen in July 2022.
He showed no remorse for his actions and immediately fled the scene in a Nissan Juke after hitting Mullen and her friend.
The family of a "beautiful" 30-year-old mum of three who was killed by a "remorseless" drunk hit and run driver say they miss her every day
South Yorkshire Police
Mullen was a mother to three young children, with her youngest was just three and a half months old when she died at the scene.
During Harris’ sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, Keita’s family described how Harris’ actions had devastated their family.
Mullen's mother said: “I can never put into words what I have lost, it’s not just birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, but every minute of every day I miss Keita. The pain and emptiness I feel is indescribable and irreparable.
“Keita’s children have lost the most important person and role model in their life. For as long as I live, I will never forget their screams after telling them the devastating news. Each one will have to overcome different difficulties throughout their lives, it is something that should have never been an issue and something they should never have had to face.
“We do not know the impact the death of Keita will have on the children long term, the trauma they have suffered is immeasurable.
“Everything that Keita was, loyal, kind, generous, a beautiful mind and soul were cruelly and callously taken by a person the total opposite, with none of these attributes.
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”Keita’s father expressed how although Harris will have freedom again at some point in his life, they will never have the freedom to spend time with Keita ever again."
His statement read: “Matthew Harris what you have done to Keita, and all who love her is something you should reflect on every day of your life.
"One day you will regain freedom. None of us affected by her loss will ever be free to spend time with Keita again. That is entirely your fault."
Keita was the sister to two brothers, and they both also shared their grief at losing their sister and their children losing an auntie.
South Yorkshire Police Constable Andrea Silburn from the Serious Collisions Team was Keita’s Family Liaison Officer (FLO).
She urged more drivers to be responsible on the roads and said: “Harris’ actions that led to the death of Keita were careless and selfish, and he will now spend a lengthy time in prison, but nothing can bring Keita back.
Matthew Harris, 36 of Burcroft Avenue was sentenced last week to ten years and eight months for killing Mullen in July 2022
South Yorkshire Police
“I have sadly experienced this too many times, and I urge all road users to step up, let’s ensure everyone gets home to their loved ones.
“Road traffic collisions can happen to anyone. We all have a responsibility to create safer roads and ensure our actions, or inactions do not cost someone their life."
Sheffield Crown Court heard how on Sunday 24 July, just after midnight, Harris, who had no driving licence was driving a Nissan Juke at speed along High Street in Bawtry when he collided with two pedestrians.
Mullen was thrown across the road and suffered serious injuries and she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her friend suffered minor injuries, and lasting mental trauma.
After fleeing the scene, Harris evaded police, showing no remorse for his actions.
Officers located the wing mirror of the car at the scene, and alongside their enquiries were able to identify the make and model of the car involved and found it during a search of Harris’ property.
The car had extensive damage consistent with being involved in a collision and forensic examination led to Keita’s DNA being found on the windscreen.
CCTV enquiries enabled officers to understand Harris’ movements prior to the collision, which included consuming 11 pints of what is believed to be lager at a bar on Burncroft Hill, before getting back into the car and driving along the A1 and towards Doncaster.
Four days after the collision Harris was arrested and interviewed, where he answered ‘no comment’ to every question, refusing to take responsibility.
With the evidence mounting, Harris pleaded guilty to his charges of causing death by dangerous driving. He also received a 12-year disqualification from driving upon his release.
Serious Collisions Sergeant John Taylor described Harris' actions as cowardly.
He said: “No length of sentence handed to Harris can bring Keita back. At the time of the collision Harris was driving without a licence and insurance and driving at speed having consumed 11 pints of alcohol.
“Harris’ actions led him to killing Keita were selfish, and following the collision can only be described as that of a coward.
“I am pleased he will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars, and I hope a strong message is sent to our communities; we all have a responsibility for each other. You will be held responsible for your actions while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
“We have a zero tolerance for those who pose a risk, and will put you before the courts."
