Sentence extended for drug driver from Stourbridge who killed passenger in crash
A Stourbridge man who caused the death of a friend after driving on drugs and alcohol has had his sentence increased after an appeal.
Aaron Guest, aged 28 of Barn Close, killed his passenger, 23-year-old Benjamin Priest, who was also from Stourbridge, after crashing his blue Renault Clio in Heightington Road, between the villages of Bliss Gate and Heightington, near Bewdley, in Wyre Forest.
After the crash, which happened in June last year, Guest climbed out of the car and moved Mr Priest's body into the driver's seat and planted the car keys on him.
Mr Priest died from a head injury.
Guest pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving under the influence of cocaine and cannabis, driving without insurance and perverting the course of justice.
He was sentenced in December 2018 to five years and three months in prison at Worcester Crown Court and was also disqualified from driving for seven years and seven months and will be required to take an extended retest
Now, the Court of Appeal has increased his sentence to 7 years.
Speaking after the hearing, Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP said: "It was only a matter of time before Guest’s dangerous and irresponsible behaviour caused serious harm.
"Previous restrictions placed upon Guest endeavoured to prevent this, but he continued to flout the law, leading to the tragic death of his passenger Ben Priest.
"Guest proceeded to show further contempt for the law by attempting to frame his victim, and I hope that the Court’s decision today brings some comfort to Ben Priest’s family at this difficult time."
