Jail for drug driver from Stourbridge who killed passenger in crash
A disqualified driver from the Black Country has been jailed for more than five years after admitting causing the death of his passenger while under the influence of drugs.
Aaron Guest, from Stourbridge, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving following a crash in June of this year.
The 28-year-old, of Barn Close, also admitted to driving while disqualified, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, driving without insurance and perverting the course of justice.
He admitted he was the driver of the blue Renault Clio when it was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Heightington Road, between the villages of Bliss Gate and Heightington, near Bewdley, in Wyre Forest.
His passenger, 23-year-old Benjamin Priest, also from Stourbridge, died from a head injury.
Guest was sentenced to five years and three months in prison at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.
He was also disqualified from driving for seven years and seven months and will be required to take an extended retest.
Sergeant Mounter, from West Mercia Police, said: "This was a particularly tragic collision to deal with, which resulted in a very complex and intensive investigation that took several months to complete.
"I would like to thank all the witnesses that came forward to assist us with our enquiries.
"The information they provided was crucial to the investigation.
"Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can have devastating consequences and this collision has had a profound impact on Benjamin's family.
"We are committed to improving road safety and prioritise fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions to ensure that every effort is made to bring offenders to justice."
Two further people have been charged in connection with the incident and are due to appear at Worcester Crown Court early next year.
