A DRINK driver who killed an 88-year-old woman as she crossed a road has failed to get his ten-year jail term cut.

Lee Robert Pell, 25, was locked up last July after admitting causing the death of Hilda Jepson by careless driving while under the influence of drink.

Pell, of Church Street, West Pinxton, near Mansfield, was twice the legal limit when he crashed into Mrs Jepson in Sutton Road, Huthwaite, last May.

Today, he appealed against his sentence, but had his arguments rejected by three top judges, Sir Anthony May, Mr Justice Andrew Smith and Mrs Justice Nicola Davies.

Mrs Jepson, who walked with a stick, was crossing Sutton Road on the evening of May 17 on her way to a social event at a community centre.

She was struck by Pell, lifted onto the bonnet of his Renault Clio and carried for 20 metres before being thrown off when he eventually stopped the car.

Pell, who had previous convictions for drink driving, called 999, but paramedics were unable to save her life and she died at the scene.

He initially claimed that the sun had been in his eyes and he had slammed on his brakes when he hit her, but it was later shown that the sun would actually have been behind him at that time.

He said he had been stressed because a friend of his had committed suicide just days before the smash.

Today, his lawyers were in court in London to argue before the three judges that the sentence was "manifestly excessive" and should be reduced.

But the judges rejected the argument.

Mrs Justice Nicola Davies said: "We acknowledge that no sentence passed by this court will adequately reflect the loss of a much-loved member of this family.

"Nothing we say can alter the fact that a dignified lady died in an undignified way.

"In our judgment, the sentence was severe. It was at the top end of the sentencing range.

"But, taking account of the high level of culpability of the appellant, his appalling record of relevant previous convictions, we are unable to say that the sentence passed was manifestly excessive."

Mrs Jepson's son, Ray Jepson had previously said Pell "should serve not a day less than the 10 years he was given".

He added: "We have been given a life sentence for what happened to my mum. We can't appeal to lessen that burden. Nothing will bring her back. "He shouldn't be allowed to appeal."