RELATIVES of a convicted drink-driver from Weymouth have spoken of their remorse for his actions.

Peter Cashman was two-and-a half times over the limit when he drove into a car carrying Emma Mason and her newborn child home from hospital.

Mrs Mason, who watched rescue crews pull her child from the wreckage, condemned magistrates after Cashman walked free from court in May with a three-year driving ban and a £500 fine.

Cashman, 52, admitted drink-driving before Weymouth magistrates but Mrs Mason, 33, said he had not shown any remorse for his actions.

Now Cashman's niece and his mother have expressed their sadness and say the family is deeply sorry for what has happened.

Avril Pattison, 24, a former pupil at Budmouth College, said: "I don't know whether my uncle has shown any remorse or not but even if he can't we can.

"The rest of the family are thinking about Emma Mason and her family and we want them to know they are in our hearts. I have spoken to my uncle and it is a very difficult situation for all of us."

Avril said Cashman's mother, Rita Samphier, wanted to apologise for her son's actions.

"I've also spoken to my nan in Ireland and she wanted people to know that we are all very sorry."

The remorse reveals the impact the crash had on the family of the people involved.

The collision happened on Buxton Road on March 31 when Warren Mason was driving his wife and newborn daughter Evelyn home.

Cashman's Kia Pride hit them head-on along Buxton Road and Emma feared her daughter had died. But the emergency services rescued Evelyn unharmed. Mr Mason suffered tissue damage in his arm, was treated for whiplash and an injured hand.

Cashman, of Wyke Road, was also convicted of drink-driving in 1997.

Mrs Mason said: "I'm grateful the family of Cashman have expressed their remorse.

"If their shame can put any pressure on him to co-operate with insurers and to make sure this doesn't happen again then so much the better.

"The ramifications of what drink-drivers do affect the victim's family for a lifetime."