Man sentenced for killing pregnant woman in Northampton collision

A 32-year-old man has been sentenced to five years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

On May 29, 2021, mother of four - Dulce Lina Mendes Pereira, was hit by a black Nissan Pathfinder at the junction of Greyfriars and Horse Market in Northampton town centre.

She was seven months pregnant at the time and tragically, despite the best efforts of staff at University Hospital Coventry, both her and her unborn baby were killed.

The car was driven by James Craigie, previously of Stoke Bruerne, who following the crash, tested positive for cocaine. He was arrested and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He later went on to plead guilty to the offence and today (December 21) at Northampton Crown Court, was sentenced to five years and four months in prison. He was also handed a seven year and eight month driving disqualification with an extended retest.

Lead Investigator – Detective Constable Lauren El Sharkawi from Northamptonshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This case is incredibly sad and there are no words to accurately describe the devastation this incident has caused.

“Dulce Lina Mendes Pereira was a much-loved mother of four young people who will now have to live the rest of their lives without her. Her eldest daughter in particular has remained stoic throughout, and her dedication in getting justice for her family has been nothing but admirable. Her life has been turned upside down as she has stepped into her mother’s shoes in caring for her siblings.  

“Incidents like this are difficult to investigate as you know that whatever the sentence is, it will never be enough to make up for the loss of a woman like Ms Mendes Pereira. I truly hope that James Craigie reflects on that fact for the rest of his life.

“I would like to thank the team for bringing some justice to the family, especially the Family Liaison Officer, DC Janette Maitland, who has been a huge support for Ms Mendes Pereira’s family throughout. Though this case is now at its conclusion, my thoughts will remain with the family of Ms Mendes Pereira long after today and I wish them the best for the future.”