This was the ruling of Lancashire Coroner Dr James Adeley following the inquest of four people killed in the Heysham bypass crash in February.

Diane Helme, 48, of Heysham was three times over the drink drive limit when she was killed in the crash that claimed the lives of three members of another family.

She had also been taking anti-depressants which combined with the influence of alcohol would have impaired her judgement further.

Dr Adeley recorded a verdict of unlawful killing of Simon Howden, 43, his wife Katerina, 31, and their 23-month-old daughter Amalka, all of Dallas Road, Lancaster, who died following the crash on February 23.

He said: "This was a senseless loss of life. It was extremely unnecessary and caused by the selfishness of one driver.

"There is no excuse in this day and age for driving under the influence of alcohol.

"This callous disregard of others safety destroys families. If you want proof of this just look around this room."

He also described driving under the influence of alcohol as "a recipe for tragedy and disaster".

Witnesses at the inquest in Lancaster's Shire Hall on Friday described seeing Mrs Helme's black Toyota Celica speeding, unsuccessfully attempting to over take a car, losing control and swerving across the road, colliding with the Howden's Skoda.

PC Steven Price from the accident investigation unit estimated the Howdens were travelling at between 30 - 40 mph on the road, the speed limit being 50 mph.

Miss Helme was estimated to be travelling at around 80mph.

The Howden's family car was pushed nearly 33 metres backwards in the collision.

It was so badly damaged the front of the car had been crushed 50cm back into the passenger compartment.

Pathologist Dr Adam Padel said Simon Howden had died at the scene of the crash from chest injuries.

His wife Katerina died on March 2 from haemorrhaging and multiple pelvic fractures, and their daughter Amalka died on February 27 from respiratory failure following brain and spinal inquires.

Diane Helme died at the scene from head, neck and chest injuries.

Dr Padel also said a specimen taken from Miss Helme showed she had twice the legal limit of alcohol in her blood.

A urine sample showed she had three times the legal limit.

Dr Adeley recorded a verdict of accidental death in the case of Mrs Helme.

He added that no other drivers on the road at that time had contributed to the accident.

After the inquest the Howden family said: "This was a tragic incident which led to the death of three people very special to us and we can only imagine the heartache it has also caused the other family involved.

"Simon, Kacka and Amalka will always remain in our hearts and our aim now is to provide the best possible life for Bela and Olen.''

Chief Insp Matt Horn said: "The verdict should remind us all that drinking and driving destroys the lives of not only those directly involved but also those left behind."