A MOTHER who caused the death of her three-year-old daughter in a drunken crash has been jailed for six years and four months.

Alanda Pike, 34, was more than three times over the limit for alcohol and cocaine derivatives in her blood at the time of the crash at Thickthorn Cross on the A354 Salisbury Road, near Blandford, shortly before 7.50am on August 24 this year.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard she had been drinking and taking cocaine with her partner the night before.

On the morning of the crash, she picked up her daughter Louisa from the girl's father Sam Pike, also buying a small bottle of vodka of which she drank half.

Dash camera footage of the crash, shown to the court, showed Pike's Vauxhall Astra emerge from a side road into the path of a Ford Transit van driven by 44-year-old Karen Street.

The court heard she pulled out late and in third gear, following a previous car which had also moved late, and Ms Street had told police she saw the back of Pike's head looking in the other direction.

Both Pike and her daughter, who was only partially strapped into a child seat in the back, suffered serious head injuries, and Louisa died in hospital the following day.

Ms Street sustained serious injuries to her hand and arm.

In a statement to the court, Mr Pike said the crash had left a "massive dark hole" in the lives of those who "will never get to see my precious ray of sunshine again".

"I just miss her so much and would give anything to have her back in my arms," he said.

Mr Pike also praised witnesses and medical staff who tried to help Louisa after the crash.

Prosecutor Sadie Rizzo told the court Pike, of Blackmore Road, Shaftesbury, had a prior conviction for driving while three times over the alcohol limit back in 2014, and was last year visited by the Dorset Police No Excuse Team offering a friendly warning after the force received a tip-off.

Pike admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In mitigation, Kevin Hill said his client felt remorse for her actions and was undertaking an alcohol treatment course in custody.

Sentencing, Judge Peter Johnson said: “You selfishly put your needs over those of members of the public using the roads and over the needs of your own daughter.

“Your actions caused the death of a bright and bubbly child adored by many.”

Pike was disqualified from driving for nine years and two months.

Police Sergeant Phil Lee, of the traffic unit, said: “Yet again we are here dealing with the tragic aftermath of a wholly unnecessary and completely avoidable event that has had devastating effects on all those involved.

“While no sentence will ever compensate for their loss, I can only hope the conclusion of the legal proceedings will at least bring some comfort to Louisa’s family at this difficult time.

“I wish to personally thank those witnesses who came forward to assist us with this complex enquiry. I would also like to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency service personnel who attended that day and dealt with the horrific circumstances as well as the family liaison officers, the extensive police investigation team and support staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Alanda faces the consequences of her actions.

“My message is clear that if you do drive after taking drink or drugs, you will be committing criminal offences and you will face the appropriate actions.

“We remain wholly committed to ensuring the safety of every road user in Dorset.”