Jailed driver who had never had driving lesson before crash which killed passenger loses appeal
A driver who had never had a single driving lesson before he killed his passenger in a high speed smash deserved every day of his jail term, top judges have ruled.
Ashley David Lovekin, aged 25, lost control of a Peugeot 206 while racing another car before slamming into a lampost in a collision which left 31-year-old Nicola Robinson dead.
Lovekin, who previously served a custodial term for killing his mother's boyfriend - was jailed for five years and eight months at Wolverhampton Crown Court, last July.
He admitted his dangerous driving caused Ms Robinson's death, as well as serious injury to his other passenger.
Lovekin, of Springfield Road, Dudley, was also ruled a 'dangerous' offender and was ordered to serve five years on extended licence after his release.
Three senior judges at a hearing on Friday at London's Appeal Court rejected a sentence challenge by Lovekin, saying the judge was 'perfectly entitled' to find him a danger to society.
Mr Justice Mitting said Lovekin climbed behind the wheel of the Peugeot at about 3.45am on August 4, 2013 - despite having no licence, no insurance and never having had a driving lesson.
With Ms Robinson and a 23-year-old man in the car, Lovekin was spotted travelling at over 50mph in a 30mph zone along Birmingham Road, Blakenhall, in the lead up to the crash.
While racing an Audi and pulling in and out of his lane, Lovekin lost control of the car and smashed into a lamppost.
Ms Robinson was killed instantly, while the other passenger was also badly hurt and Lovekin received minor injuries.
The judge who jailed Lovekin said he had been 'racing' in a built-up area and travelling at 'excessive speed'.
Mr Justice Mitting said Lovekin had previously been handed seven years' detention, in September, 2008, after he was convicted of manslaughter for stabbing to death his mother's partner.
On appeal, Lovekin's lawyers insisted that he was 'not a menace' and that he had shown genuine remorse and that the risk of him behaving in the same way again was minimal.
Lovekin, they argued, had vowed to turn over a new leaf after seeing 'the horrific consequences that can follow from stupid behaviour'.
However, Mr Justice Mitting, sitting with Lord Justice Jackson and Mr Justice Jay, said Lovekin's punishment was 'entirely justified'.
He added: "The judge was entitled to find that the sentence must protect the public from the significant risk of serious harm posed by further offending.
