Drink-driver jailed after killing ‘beloved mum’ in Yate hit-and-run

A drink-driver has been jailed after killing a “beloved mum” in a crash in Yate.

Ashley Billing hit mum-of-four Rebecca Ashmead in Kennedy Way in March 2023 and drove off.

Ms Ashmead, who was known to her loved ones as Bex, died at the scene - while police managed to track Billings down after identifying his licence plate and front bumper, which came off during the collision.

The 39-year-old was arrested shortly afterwards and it was established he had been driving under the influence of alcohol.

He pleaded guilty to causing death without due care and attention while over the limit, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving a vehicle in which the driver is unlicensed/uninsured at Bristol Crown Court today (9 January).

He was jailed for nine years, reduced from 12 years for his guilty plea. He has also been banned from driving for 10 years.

‘Our lives have been utterly destroyed’ - family statement

In a statement by Ms Ashmead’s family, they 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."

Designated Collision Investigation Officer Anthony Hall, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Billing's selfish actions that day took away a mother from her children and that is unforgivable.

"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 they continue to come to terms with their loss."