A motorist who was driving under the influence of drugs when he struck a British tourist while she was out for a run in France has been sentenced to four years in prison. Solicitor Sian Watson, who was jogging with her husband in Burgundy, was fatally hit by a vehicle on Avenue Charles-de-Gaulle in July. The driver, Alexandre Jacquet, aged 44, tested positive for three drugs, including heroin and cocaine, which he had consumed two days prior.
The Dijon judicial court handed Jacquet a four-year prison term, with an additional 18 months suspended, for causing involuntary manslaughter due to drug use. Sian’s husband, David, expressed his grief on social media, describing her as his life partner and expressing deep sorrow over her premature death.
Sian, a graduate of Jesus College at the University of Oxford with a master’s degree in chemistry, worked as a solicitor at Osbourne Clarke in London, where she had recently been promoted to associate director. Described by her colleagues as highly intelligent, kind, and possessing a great sense of humor, Sian was considered a valuable member of the team known for her generosity and intellect.
A fundraising page on JustGiving has been set up in memory of Sian to support the Access Project, a charity that assists underprivileged youth in accessing higher education opportunities. The campaign has already raised over £10,000.
David, in his tribute on the fundraising page, highlighted Sian’s academic achievements and her dedication to helping others reach their full potential, emphasizing her belief in fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals. He expressed a desire to honor Sian’s legacy by supporting initiatives like the Access Project that promote kindness and fairness in society and provide opportunities for all to succeed.