The boyfriend of a young mum killed in a road crash has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing her death.

Martin Crealock, 22, of Rochester Avenue, Rochester, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday charged with causing the death of Rebecca Arnold while over the drink-drive limit. The couple had a daughter, Ellese, aged three at the time of the crash.

Crealock, who had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, was driving a Renault van along a 50mph stretch of the A229 Chatham Road, Blue Bell Hill, on November 11 last year when the accident happened.

The court heard how Crealock and Miss Arnold had been out to dinner and were on their way home at about 8pm. Witnesses say Crealock was travelling at some speed and appeared to lose control of the van.

The vehicle swerved across the road before crashing into the central reservation and overturning. Rebecca, who had not been wearing a seat belt, sustained fatal injuries and died later in hospital.

Crealock admitted to drinking two glasses of wine and two pints of lager before the accident. The court heard his alcohol reading was 106 milligrams in 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80.

He was also found to have traces of cannabis in his system. It is estimated Crealock was travelling between 53 and 58 mph when the accident happened.

Ann Phillips, prosecuting, said: “The level of alcohol in the defendant’s system would have contributed to his loss of control of the vehicle .”

She added: “The fact Rebecca Arnold was not wearing a seat belt tragically meant her injuries were more serious than they might have been.”

Alan Gardner, defending, described Crealock as being “extremely remorseful”.

Judge Philip Statman sentenced Crealock to 15 months in prison and a four-year driving ban. The sentence took into account Crealock’s early guilty plea.

Judge Statman said: “You had been drinking and you made a choice to get behind the wheel. The consequences have been utterly devastating.

“Rebecca Arnold was 20. She was bright and she was vivacious and she was a loving mother.

“I am confident you will know for the rest of your life that your actions have caused the death of your partner and the mother of your child. I accept you feel genuine remorse.”

Family reveal their thoughts on court verdict - See Monday's print edition of the Medway Messenger