Jail for driver who lost best pal in car crash

A 26-year-old speeding motorist who left his best friend dying in the wreckage of a Black Country car crash after he had been drinking has been jailed for more than four years.

Chris Howard slurred a plea to eye witnesses to ring the ambulance before fleeing from the scene in Wolverhampton, a judge heard.

Howard was over the drink-drive limit and speeding when he lost control of his black Mitsubishi Charger on a left hand bend in October last year.

Wolverhampton Crown court heard how the car veered across Wergs Road, in Tettenhall, hit the kerb and careered into a tree when Howard swerved to avoid an oncoming car after drifting too wide on the corner.

His best friend Liam Turner, a 25-year-old welder, was in the passenger seat.

Prosecutor Mr Hugh O'Brien Quinn said yesterday: "Howard got out of the car, shouted in a slurred voice for people to get an ambulance and then ran.

"Liam was left trapped in the car. He had to be cut free and passed away just over a week later in hospital."

Howard gave himself up to police two-and-a-half hours later. A breath test revealed a reading of 63 mgs of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35.

Eye witnesses estimated his car was travelling at around 80 mph, twice the speed limit.

Investigators said it hit the tree at around 67mph.

Howard, from Colleridge Close, Pendeford, who admitted causing the death of Mr Turner through careless driving whilst under the influence of alcohol, later told police: "This was my best friend - a man who I had grown up with and had known for 16 years. I miss him dearly."

Mr Mark Heywood, defending, said: "It is a heartbreaking tragedy for this defendant is wholly responsible. He will have to carry that burden for the rest of his life."

He claimed Howard was in shock when he ran away.