A DRUNK driver who killed a 71-year-old grandmother has been jailed.

Patricia Lawlor, 52, of Fiddler's Hamlet, Epping, struck Patricia Eustace outside the Merry Fiddlers Pub last year.

Lawlor's grandson was thrown from the vehicle during the incident, although he was unharmed.

Mrs Eustace, of Maple Springs, Waltham Abbey, was declared dead at the scene, in Fiddler's Hamlet.

Lawlor was also disqualified from driving for ten years at Chelmsford Crown Court.

She had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

Acting district crown prosecutor Olivia Gooding said: “We are pleased this case has come to a successful conclusion, and we hope that today’s sentence will provide some comfort to the family and friends of Mrs Eustace who was tragically killed as a result of this incident.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with them at this difficult time.”