Motorist who downed 11 pints earlier than killing mother-of-three, 30, in merciless hit and run is jailed for 10 years
A driver who collided with a ‘beautiful’ mum-of-three in a hit and run and left her dying on the road has been jailed.
Matthew Harris, 36, drank 11 pints of what is believed to be lager, before getting into his Nissan Juke and hitting Keita Mullen, 30, and another pedestrian in in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, in July 2022.
Keita, a mum-of-three, was thrown across the road and left suffering from serious injuries which she ultimately died from.
A friend, who was with her at the time of her death, has been left with mental trauma after witnessing the incident.
Harris, the driver, fled the scene and evaded police but officers located the wing mirror of his car at the scene and after some enquiries, were able to identity the make and model of the vehicle.
They then discovered the heavily damaged motor at Harris’s property in Conisbrough, South Yorkshire.
Forensic examination also led to Keita’s DNA being found on the windscreen of the Nissan Juke.
Officers too discovered Harris had consumed 11 pints of what is believed to be lager, before getting back into the car and driving along the A1 towards Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Keita Mullen (pictured), 30, was killed after Matthew Harris crashed into her in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, in July 2022
Matthew Harris (pictured) was sentenced to 10 years and eight months in jail after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving
Harris was arrested and interviewed four days later, where he answered ‘no comment’ to every question, but he then pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced today (Friday) at Sheffield Crown Court to 16 years in jail, but it was reduced to 10 years and eight months after he issued his plea.
Harris also received a 12-year disqualification from driving upon his release.
Serious collisions sergeant John Taylor, from South Yorkshire Police, said: ‘No length of sentence handed to Harris can bring Keita back.
‘We know at the time of the collision Harris was driving without a licence and insurance and driving at speed having consumed 11 pints of alcohol.
‘Harris’s actions that led him to killing Keita were selfish and, following the collision, can only be described as that of a coward.
‘I am pleased he will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars, and I hope a strong message is sent to our communities; we all have a responsibility for each other. You will be held responsible for your actions while behind the wheel of a vehicle.
‘We have a zero tolerance for those who pose a risk, and will put you before the courts.’
Keita was described as ‘beautiful inside and out, so immensely talented and the best mummy in the world’
Following Keita’s death, her husband Tom Mullen wrote a heartbreaking tribute to her, saying ‘nothing will ever be the same without you’.
He posted on Facebook: ‘Literally my best friend for more than half my life, nothing will ever be the same without you!
‘Beautiful inside and out, so immensely talented and the best mummy in the world!
‘I promise you I’ll take care of our babies, raise them exactly how you wanted and make sure they never forget just how special you are.
‘We all love and miss you so much Keits.’
Meryl Chambers, 51, has too been charged in connection with this case and will appear before Sheffield Crown Court on 2 March 2026.
