Christmas a time of torment for drink-drive victim's family

A DRINK-DRIVER nurse who killed a grandfather in a Christmas Eve hit-and-run will be freed in just weeks as his heartbroken family said: "How can anyone be so callous?

- JANE COHEN

NHS nurse Katrina Mahoney, 34, had been drinking Malibu and Baileys, and failed to stop despite her windshield being smashed when she hit 82-year-old Ron Fealey at double the speed limit in Merthyr Tydfil.

Mahoney got back into her car to buy cigarettes after she hit the retired nurse.

Passersby tried to help Mr Fealey as he lay helpless, fighting for his life. He died in hospital from a brain injury on Boxing Day 2022.

His family should be enjoying Christmas, but instead it is a poignant time for very different reasons.

His granddaughter, mother-of-one Rachael Yoganathan, 32, warned people not to risk drink-driving - and said this time of year will always be a reminder of his needless, tragic death.

She said: "Katrina Mahoney will soon be released, but we will never get grandpa back because of her dangerous, selfish actions.

"My grandpa should be enjoying Christmas cuddles with his great-grandson, putting batteries in his toys and playing with him. Instead, we will be taking a wreath to the cemetery for him.

"Grandpa was the centre of our family and he was loved so much. He'd be alive and celebrating Christmas with us if it wasn't for Katrina Mahoney."

Recalling that tragic day, Rachael remembered: "I will never forget that Christmas morning when dad's phone rang and the colour just drained from his face.

"We were expecting grandpa to walk through the door with his usual big smile, but instead it was the police telling us he'd been run over and he was in hospital fighting for his life."

Mr Fealey had attended a Christmas Eve church service and was returning home when he was hit.