'I cry every day... Our lives are so empty': Father speaks out after mother and daughter killed in head-on crash with ex-policeman
A devastated father has spoken of his continued heartbreak at the loss of his soul mate and daughter, as the driver to blame for their deaths started a six-year jail sentence.
Vinod Dahiya was today sentenced to six years and eight months in prison over the deaths of 54-year-old Diane McGrail and her 14-year-old daughter Kira on the A5 last year.
The pair, from Oakley near Market Drayton, both died at the scene. Mrs McGrail's 17-year-old son Jack, who was driving, was badly injured.
MORE: Disgraced policeman jailed for killing mother and daughter in head-on A5 smash
Today, Diane's husband Kevin McGrail fought back tears as he told the court that he was unable to come to terms with the loss of his soul mate.
He said: "Diane was a wonderful mum. It would have given her the greatest joy watching and being there while her children built happy lives.
"She would have been a fantastic grandmother if she had had the chance. She would have been there for the kids, offering advice and love, as only a mother can do.
"Kira was already a beautiful young lady. She was looking forward so much to growing up. It breaks my heart that she will not have that life.
"Kira was the light of our life, her bright smile has been cruelly extinguished by the actions of that man.
"I cannot find the words to describe the loss my son Jack and I feel.
"Diane and I met 39 years ago and were together for 37 years. We were soul mates, together in everything we did. We were best friends and didn't need anybody else. We lived for each other and the kids and anticipated growing old together.
"Whenever I see an older couple in the street or supermarket I have a tear in my eye because that should have been Diane and I.
"I cry every day. I try to come to terms with our loss but I cannot accept that the love of my life and my gorgeous daughter are gone.
"I need some retribution for the actions of that man but leave that to the court to provide.
"The lives of Jack and myself are so empty without them. My life and that of Jack have also been destroyed."
Jack, who is preparing to sit three A-levels, spent 10 days in hospital after the smash in which he suffered multiple injuries and still suffers physical and mental difficulties.
He explained: "I can only say this has been devastating for me. Both my mother and sister were a massive part of my life.
"Dad and I muddle through, but nothing will ever be like it again. We just go through the motions ticking boxes.
"I find it very hard to find any meaning in what I do. It is brutal to be dealing with what happened."
