A mum-of-two has been found guilty of causing the death of her partner of 10 years by dangerous driving after a wedding in Rivington.

Alicia Fairclough was on trial for causing the death of Thomas Benson after the couple and their children were at a wedding at Rivington Barn. 

At Manchester Crown Court last week a jury of six men and six women heard how the couple had a day of drinking but there were questions over what Fairclough was drinking and over whether Fairclough was above the legal limit at the time of the car crash.

The jury heard how she drove at more than double the 30mph limit on Lever Park Avenue.

Their daughter, who was eight at the time, said there was an argument before Mr Benson pulled the steering wheel from the passenger's seat.

Their daughter, who is not to be named, said: "My dad said 'let me out, let me out, let me out' and my mum said 'no, it is freezing, I do not want you to freeze'.

"My dad pulled the steering wheel to the side and it swerved us into a tree."

Fairclough, of Horwich, said she had no recollection of the incident besides "the arm" and "the headlights" in an interview after the incident.

She had a number of broken bones and a bleed on the brain resulting in a loss of memory both before the car crash and after the car crash.

Fairclough said: "I do not remember much of the last few years of my life. My memory is so scatty I do not remember what I did last week."

Today, Monday, the mum-of-two was found guilty of one count of causing death by dangerous driving after around two hours of deliberations.

In addition she was found guilty of one count of causing death by uninsured driving.

Judge Patrick Field KC said the sentencing is to be in the New Year after the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Judge Field said: "A custodial sentence is at the forefront of my mind but the family is also at the forefront of my mind.

"There are two children whose welfare is to be considered."

This article is by Jack Tooth. He is available at jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk.