A heartbroken family have paid tribute to their “loving girl” after the drunk driver who killed her was jailed for eight years.

Mia Marsh, who was 17, died in the early hours of December 3, 2022, after a crash on the A1231 between the Northern Spire and Queen Alexandra bridges in Sunderland.

Police found a black Vauxhall Astra had left the carriageway and crossed the central reservation before colliding with fencing at the opposite side of the road.

Mia, who was passenger, from the Hylton Castle area of the city, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mia Marsh Mia Marsh (Image: Contributor) An investigation was immediately launched by specially trained officers in Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit to ascertain the circumstances leading up to Mia’s death.

Roadside and blood tests later revealed the driver of the Astra, Yasmin Martin, was almost twice the drink-drive limit, as she reached speeds of up to 80mph on the 30mph road before losing control of the car.

Martin, who was 17 at the time, was arrested and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

During a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, a statement was read out by the judge on behalf of Mia’s mother, Danielle, and her wider family.

She said: “Instead of living a life I once knew I am now stuck in a nightmare I cannot wake up from. The pain that we are going through as a family is unimaginable.”

She described Mia as someone who “loved life and was full of life” – and that she would “light up a room as she walked in”.

While other girls, including the offender, had been able to enjoy their lives, go on holiday, and celebrate birthdays – Mia’s mother described their pain as “she has been robbed of her future”.

Danielle added: “People say we have to think of all the memories through the 17 years we had Mia, but 17 years is not anywhere near enough.

“We want her here and now, we don’t want her to be a memory, and can’t accept that now and never will.”

Despite initially telling officers that someone had spiked her drink earlier in the evening, Martin, of Aldwych Road in Sunderland, later pleaded guilty to the offence in June 2024.

Yasmin Martin Yasmin Martin (Image: Contributor) And this week, on Thursday, September 19, the now 19-year-old appeared before the same court where she was sentenced to eight years in prison – and disqualified from driving for ten years and four months.

Martin was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228 will be subject to an extended driving test in the future.

Inspector Sarah Munnelly, of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathies as Mia’s loved ones attempt to navigate a life without her.

“I have the upmost respect for how they have carried themselves through what has been such a devastating ordeal – and I would like to commend their strength and composure throughout the proceedings.”

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo with a £1 trial subscription for four weeks here.

Most read:

Insp Munnelly added: “Of course, any death on our roads is a tragedy but it’s even more poignant when it involves somebody so young, who had their whole life ahead of them.

“Martin’s reckless actions to drive under the influence and at such high speeds that evening – despite the best efforts of the passengers to stop her – ultimately led to Mia losing her life.

“While no result will ever take away the pain that has been caused, I hope the fact that Martin will spend a significant period in prison will help to bring a sense of closure for the family.”