Driver who took cocaine before fatal crash jailed

A dangerous driver who killed a man in a crash while under the influence of drugs has been jailed.

Ben Woodland, 26, was driving along the A4538 Pershore Lane, near Worcester, on 29 April 2024 when he failed to negotiate a left-hand bend and went on to the wrong side of the road, crashing into a Honda Civic.

The driver of the Honda, a 57-year-old man, died from his injuries, West Mercia Police said.

Woodland, of Ploughmans Walk, Droitwich, changed his plea to guilty in December and was sentenced to eight years and three months for causing death by dangerous driving.

A force spokesperson said Woodland had also caused serious injuries to his own passenger and failed a roadside drug wipe test, testing positive for cocaine.

At Worcester Crown Court on Friday, he was further disqualified from driving for five years with an extension of five years and six months and a re-test and given 10 penalty points on his licence.

Det Con Keyte, of West Mercia Police, said Woodland's dangerous driving was exacerbated by his use of cocaine while behind the wheel.

"His appalling driving resulted in the tragic death of a man and no doubt put many other motorists at serious risk of harm," the officer said.

"No sentencing will ever compensate for the sad loss of life here, but we hope it will provide the chance for the victim's family and friends to begin to move on with their lives now."

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