A drink-driver has been sentenced to prison after causing the tragic death of a beloved mother and lollipop lady.
Rebecca Ashmead, 49, a mum-of-four, was killed in a devastating crash in Yate, Gloucestershire, on March 29 last year.
At around 5:40 p.m., Avon and Somerset Police responded to reports of a collision on Kennedy Way, involving a Ford Focus and a pedestrian.
When officers arrived, they found Rebecca seriously injured in the aftermath of the crash. Despite the swift efforts of emergency services, Rebecca was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver, Ashley Billing, 39, failed to stop at the scene but was later traced and arrested. Investigators found that he had been intoxicated while driving.
He admitted three charges in Bristol Crown Court on January 9, including causing death by driving while over the limit, while disqualified, and while uninsured.
Billing was sentenced to nine years in prison, reduced from 12 years due to his guilty plea. He was also banned from driving for 10 years.
Rebecca’s family expressed their grief in a statement following the sentencing: “While no amount of time in prison will ever bring our beloved mum and sister back, we are relieved the person responsible has been held accountable. Bex was the most selfless, caring, and hardworking person, and her loss has devastated all of us.”
They also urged others to be aware of the risks of impaired driving, hoping that this tragedy might inspire a change in behavior to prevent further accidents.
“We hope people will take a more active approach in ensuring others are not driving under the influence,” they said.