A disqualified driver who took to the wheel while intoxicated and killed a ‘selfless, beloved mum’ has been jailed for nine years. Rebecca Ashmead, 49, known to friends as Bex, was fatally injured as she walked along Kennedy Way, in Yate, South Gloucestershire, last spring, when drink-driver Ashley Billing mowed her down then drove off and left her for dead.
Emergency services were called to the scene and 49-year-old Rebecca was given first aid but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ford Focus driven by Billing failed to stop at the scene but police officers tracked down the vehicle’s owner and Billing was established as the driver.
The 39-year-old was arrested soon after and officers found he had been driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Billing, of Rossetti Road, Almondsbury, pleaded guilty to causing death by due care while over the limit, causing death by driving while disqualified, and causing death by driving a vehicle in which the driver is unlicensed and uninsured.
He was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today, Thursday, January 9, to nine years, reduced from 12 years in acknowledgement of his guilty plea. He has also been banned from driving for 10 years.
Rebecca was described previously as the ‘matriarch of an incredibly close family’, as a mother to four children and the ‘best big sister’. In a statement following today’s sentencing hearing, her family said: “As a family, we are relieved the person responsible for taking our beloved mum and sister from us has finally been sentenced. While no amount of time in prison will ever change the fact that our lives have been utterly destroyed by his actions, we are grateful to have some semblance of closure.
“Bex was the most selfless, caring, fun, hardworking and supportive person and her loss has devastated all her family, friends and the wider community.
“We thank the police and CPS for their work on her case, and to everyone around us who has given support and kind words, while continuing to respect our much-needed privacy. We hope that this traumatic event may cause people to be aware of the potential impact of their own driving and consider taking a more active approach in preventing others from driving in situations where they may be impaired.”
Officer in the case, Designated Collision Investigation Officer Anthony Hall said: “The strength displayed by Bex’s family throughout this lengthy investigation has been astounding and I would like to once again express my sincere condolences for their loss.
“Anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs are putting themselves, other road users and pedestrians who are going about their day, at risk.
“Billing’s selfish actions that day took away a mother from her children and that is unforgiveable. I hope this sentence will serve as a reminder to for people to think twice before getting behind the wheel and will give Bex’s family some closure as the continue to come to terms with their loss.”