Jail for speeding drink-driver who killed rapper Cadet

A speeding drink-driver has been jailed for more than four years, for killing a popular rapper, when he ploughed into his taxi in Staffordshire.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told that Jordon Birch's van was on the wrong side of the road when he smashed into the cab taking rapper Cadet and his crew, to a grime night gig at Keele University.

Cadet, who's real name was Blaine Johnson, was pronounced dead at the scene on the A531 Main Road in Wrinehill near Betley in Staffordshire. The 28-year old, who was based in South London, died in the crash on the 9th February 2019.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard Jordon Birch was driving a Vauxhall Combo van, when he crashed into a Toyota Prius taxi, driven in the early hours of the morning, by Kashif Usman.

Prosecutor Paul Spratt said the defendant had drunk six pints at Madeley Working Men’s Club and at the Sneyd Arms, in Keele.

He added: "The defendant drove at twice the speed limit on the wrong side of the road after consuming six pints and was in excess of the legal limit.”

A blood test that was taken from Birch six hours after the crash, gave a reading of 87 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood - against the legal limit of 80.

Jordon Birch, Mr Usman and three other passengers in the taxi were taken to hospital for treatment after the crash.

Birch from Woore, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He also admitted causing serious injury to taxi driver Mr Usman by dangerous driving. Peter Cooper, mitigating, said the defendant is 'full of remorse'.

Birch was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, and was also banned from driving for two years - which will start when he is released. He will also have to take an extended test before he can drive again.

Read more: Rapper Cadet dies in crash on way to gig in Staffordshire