A DRIVER has been jailed for killing a mother-of-two on her morning run.

Alex Weatherley, of Woodford Bridge, died after being hit by Zeno Popa-Tolontan’s blue Skoda in Chigwell on May 31 last year.

The 41-year-old died shortly after she was struck in Chigwell Rise at around 8am.

Popa-Tolontan, 19, of Dacre Gardens, Chigwell, was sentenced to four years in a youth detention centre at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning (December 1).

He was also disqualified from driving for seven years, ordered to take a new driving test after his ban finished, and made to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

The court heard how Popa-Tolontan was driving between 61mph and 74mph when he hit Mrs Weatherley near the Roding Lane junction.

Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit’s PC Lane Hutchin said: "This case is a tragic reminder that speed really does kill.

"30mph speed limits, such as the one set in the residential road where this happened, are set for a reason.

"Analysis of the tyre marks showed Popa-Tolontan was travelling at speeds of between 61 and 74mph – more than double the limit - when he struck Mrs Weatherley.

"This in itself demonstrates his lack of regard not only for other road users but for himself and his passenger.

"Today’s sentencing will give Popa-Tolontan more than enough time to reflect on his reckless actions.

"I hope it will also give Mrs Weatherley’s family some comfort and are thoughts are with them at this difficult time.” 

A keen athlete and member of the Shotokan Karate Club in Waltham Abbey, Mrs Weatherley has been described as "generous of heart and always giving to others".