THE family of a young woman killed by a drink driver today spoke of their disgust after her killer was jailed for 12 months.

Nichola Snowden, 32, of Williams Road, Burnley, died in hospital two hours after the car she was in collided head on with a taxi in Blackburn Road, Oswaldtwistle, in October last year.

Her boyfriend, Azhar Mahmood, 22, who was not insured, lost control of his Rover 418 car on a "relatively tight" left-hand bend on the A679, as he travelled from Blackburn towards Accrington, in the early hours.

Mahmood, of Colne Road, Burnley, admitted causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink. He was also banned or three years and ordered to take an extended retest.

Today Nichola's family spoke out against the jail sentence, which they said was far too short for someone who had taken a life.

Speaking through a family friend they said: "We are all very upset at the length of this sentence which sends out the message that people can drink and drive, and drive without insurance, and get away with it.

"Twelve months isn't nearly long enough for what he has done to us. We have been given a life sentence because we will never see Nikki again."

Nichola had worked at the Crow Wood leisure, racquet and equestrian centre just off the M65 since its opening two years ago. Bosses there paid tribute to her following her death.

She suffered "dreadful injuries," and died two hours after the crash.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mahmood, who was now on sick leave and taking anti-depressants, would have to live forever with the knowledge he had, inadvertently, killed the woman he loved.

Sentencing, Judge Raymond Bennett said nobody knew why the defendant lost control. Maybe a screw found in a tyre had caused significant deflation or maybe it was because the roads were wet or there was a little ice, he said.

He said Mahmood had not been able to react as well as he should have been able to because he was over the drink drive limit.

The judge, expressing sympathy to the victim's family, said it was quite impossible by any sentence to bring her back. He went on: "It is not intended to be a reflection on the value of her life."

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said the defendant was travelling at 44pmh on the 30mph road when he lost control.

Mahmood was later breath-tested and gave a reading of 46 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres - the legal limit is 35.

Michael Murray, defending, said Mahmood had come to court with great trepidation knowing what awaited him.