Drink driver sentenced to prison after fatal collision in Rougham
Fionna Myhill jailed for causing death while driving over the limit
A woman has been sentenced to 38 months in prison after admitting to driving over the drink limit, resulting in a fatal collision that claimed the life of a mother.
Fionna Myhill, 52, from Great Massingham, appeared at Norwich Crown Court and pleaded guilty to causing the death of Karen Eateen by driving carelessly while impaired due to alcohol.
In addition to her prison term, Myhill has been disqualified from driving for six years and seven months, requiring an extended re-test before her driving licence can be reinstated.
During the court proceedings, Karen's daughter Niamh delivered a heartfelt statement expressing profound loss and grief.
“Some days I just feel sad and angry, I don’t know if that will ever go away…all I know is I miss my mum.”
Another daughter, Ella, shared her tribute via the prosecutor:
“Mum was one of the brightest energies in the room…she always loved helping whether that was people or for charities…”
The tragic collision occurred on 19th May last year when Karen Eateen, 52, was driving her Ford Fiesta along the B1145 towards King’s Lynn and Myhill was driving a Nissan X-Trail in the opposite direction.
As Myhill attempted to regain control after negotiating a bend, she crossed into the opposite lane and collided with Karen.
Witnesses arriving shortly after confirmed Myhill's vehicle was on the wrong side of the road, and police recorded her breath alcohol level at more than double the legal limit.
Myhill was arrested and further analysis showed she exceeded the legal alcohol limit for driving. Prescribed medications were also detected.
Karen Eateen succumbed to her injuries the following evening on 20th May 2025.
Investigator Chris Warner from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit commented on the severity of drink driving:
“This is a truly heartbreaking case that highlights the devastating and irreversible consequences of drink driving.”
Warner urged all drivers to avoid alcohol before driving and consider the implications when taking medication.
Support for alcohol-related concerns is available through GPs and local services like Change, Grow, Live, reachable at 01603 514096 or via email at [email protected] .