Drink-drive victim was 'truly loving' family man

A man killed by a drink-driver was a "wonderful" father to two boys under five, his family said.

Ian Gooden, 59, died following a three-car crash near Toft, Lincolnshire, in July 2023.

Kane Clears, 30, of Water Lane, Bourne, was estimated to be double the alcohol limit for driving and was speeding at about 90mph (145km/h) in a 40mph zone. Last week, he was sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison.

In a statement released through Lincolnshire Police earlier, Mr Gooden's wife, Gyonyul Gooden, said her husband was a "truly loving and caring man".

Clears was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on 28 February.

Judge James House KC told him his drinking made the collision inevitable and was responsible for the speed he was driving at.

The judge said Mr Gooden had "no warning" and could not have prevented the collision.

In her statement, Mrs Gooden said: "I want to honour the memory of my late husband, a truly loving and caring man. He was not only a devoted partner but also a wonderful father to our two young boys.

"He filled our lives with love and laughter, always putting our family first. He lived his life with dignity, following the rules while teaching our children the importance of kindness and compassion. His gentle spirit and unwavering support made our home a warm and welcoming place."

Mrs Gooden said her husband, an aircraft engineer, had "many hopes and dreams for the future", which "now feel painfully unfulfilled".

"He often spoke of taking our boys camping and showing them the beauty of nature," she said. "He cherished moments spent reading them bedtime stories and teaching them math, finding joy in their curiosity and growth.

"We often reflected on how lucky we were to have devoted our time and commitment to our boys.

"Though those dreams are gone, the love he shared with us will forever remain in our hearts."

Mrs Gooden added: "As I navigate this journey with our boys... I hold on to the beautiful memories we created together. His legacy of love and kindness will continue to guide us.

"He will always be in our hearts."

Clears was banned from driving for 10 years and one month and told he must take an extended retest.

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