Drink driver jailed after teen's death
A Black Country motorist is starting a four-year prison sentence after he admitted causing the death of an 18-year-old when driving while more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
David Gibbs, aged 23, of Crimmond Rise, Halesowen, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while in excess of the prescribed alcohol limit.
He was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday and also disqualified from driving for six years.
Shaun Billingham, aged 18, of Warrens Hall Road, Dudley, died on November 28 last year after Gibbs's Vaxhall Astra collided with his Rover in Newton Road, Cradley Heath.
Mr Billingham was returning from work at the Cradley Heath Tesco store at the time of the collision.
The court heard Gibbs had drunk around seven pints of lager prior to the crash and later tests also revealed traces of cannabis in his blood.
Police tests found he had 207mgs of alcohol in 100ml of blood – more than twice the legal limit of 80mgs.
Mr Warren Stanier prosecuting said: "Gibbs's car was found on the wrong side of the carriageway."
Mr Jas Mann defending said: "This is the first time he has ever appeared before the court. He did not try to escape the scene or deny responsibility at any stage.
"My client has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."
Judge Hilary Watson said: "Your decision to drive resulted in the death of a young man aged just 18, who was simply returning home from work."
