Gran's harrowing memory will stay with her after 'beautiful' daughter killed (2025)

Matthew Harris sank 11 pints before getting behind the wheel

A grandmother says she will never forget the screams of her daughter's three children after telling them their mum had been killed by a 'callous' drink driver.

Keita Mullen was 30 when she was killed by Matthew Harris, who sank 11 pints before getting behind the wheel, without a licence.

Shortly after midnight on July 24, 2022, Harris drove a Nissan Juke at speed before hitting two pedestrians.

One of the pedestrians was Keita, whose youngest child was only three months old at the time of the incident, Yorkshire Live reports.

Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene on High Street in Bawtry, Doncaster. Fortunately, Keita's friend - who had been on a night out with her - survived with minor injuries.

Harris, 36, of Burcroft Hill, Conisbrough, was sentenced last week to 16 years in prison, reduced to 10 years, eight months for a guilty plea, for killing Keita in July 2022.

Now, her family have spoken of their heartache - and condemned the man who took her life. "For as long as I live, I will never forget their screams after telling them the devastating news," said Keita's mother in a statement released by South Yorkshire Police. "Keita's children have lost the most important person and role model in their life.

"Each one will have to overcome different difficulties throughout their lives, it is something that should have never been an issue and something they should never have had to face.

"We do not know the impact the death of Keita will have on the children long term, the trauma they have suffered is immeasurable.

"I can never put into words what I have lost, it's not just birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, but every minute of every day I miss Keita. The pain and emptiness I feel is indescribable and irreparable.

"Everything that Keita was, loyal, kind, generous, a beautiful mind and soul were cruelly and callously taken by a person the total opposite, with none of these attributes."

Keita's father said: "Matthew Harris what you have done to Keita, and all who love her is something you should reflect on every day of your life. One day you will regain freedom. None of us affected by her loss will ever be free to spend time with Keita again. That is entirely your fault."

Keita's two brothers also shared their grief at losing their sister, and their children losing their auntie. The family also shared a new photo of her, saying they hope sharing their story can stop another family from experiencing what they have.

PC Andrea Silburn, from the Serious Collisions Team, worked as the Family Liason Officer, to support Keita's relatives. She said: "I have been the FLO for many families during my career, and I keep a part of each one with me.

"While being a FLO, which can often be a relationship for years, you learn more about their loved one, and their life and the impact their death has on family and friends. You see first-hand how their lives have changed forever, for the worse at the hands of someone else.

"Road traffic collisions can happen to anyone. We all have a responsibility to create safer roads and ensure our actions, or inactions do not cost someone their life.

"Harris' actions that led to the death of Keita were careless and selfish, and he will now spend a lengthy time in prison, but nothing can bring Keita back.

"I have sadly experienced this too many times, and I urge all road users to step up, let's ensure everyone gets home to their loved ones."