A Perth obstetrician, Rhys Bellinge has been jailed over a drunken high speed crash that killed Elizabeth Pearce.
The court decision means Bellinge will serve time in prison after the deadly crash which has again put the focus on drink driving and speeding on Australian roads.
Police and emergency crews were called after the crash in which Pearce died. The case later went through the legal system and ended with Bellinge being sentenced to jail.
Specific details of the sentence were not provided in the information available for this report. This includes how long he was jailed for and whether there is a non parole period.
Details such as when and where the crash happened were also not provided. The information also did not say whether other factors played a role.
A woman is dead and a doctor has been jailed after driving while drunk at high speed.
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Road safety experts often warn that alcohol and speed are a dangerous mix. Both can cut reaction time and cloud judgement. They can also turn a mistake into a deadly crash in seconds.
Families affected by road deaths often say the impact lasts for life. They describe grief and anger that do not go away.
The jailing of a medical professional also shows that the law applies to everyone, no matter their job or standing in the community.
Elizabeth Pearce’s death has left a hole that cannot be filled. The court outcome closes one part of the case and it does not change what happened.
Anyone planning to drink is urged to make other arrangements. This includes using a designated driver, public transport or rideshare or staying where they are.
