A BANNED driver has admitted killing a Yate mother-of-four in the town while over the drink-drive limit.
Ashley Billing, aged 39, has admitted three charges in relation to the death of Rebecca Ashmead on Kennedy Way in March 2023.
They are causing death by driving without due care while over the prescribed drink-drive limit, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured.
Billing, of Kingswood, was charged earlier this year over the collision that claimed the life of Rebecca, who was known to friends and family as Beccy or Bex.
He initially denied the charge and his defence team made an application to dismiss the case against him.
However when a judge dismissed the application at Bristol Crown Court last month, Billing changed his plea to guilty.
He is now due to appear at the same court next month to be sentenced.
Billing was subject to a driving ban imposed for a previous offence when he collided with Rebecca, who was 49 and despite efforts by police and paramedics to save her at the scene.
Lollipop lady was ‘passionate about road safety’
Rebecca worked as a school crossing patrol or lollipop lady at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in the town, and at the time of her death her family said she was “passionate about road safety”.
In a tribute issued through Avon & Somerset police following her death, her family said: “Beccy (Bex) was a devoted mum to her four children, and the best big sister you could ask for.
“She was the matriarch of an incredibly close family, and we loved nothing more than being together.
“Bex was the beloved lollipop lady at her daughter’s school, a job which she loved, as she could make sure children were safe.”
The school said Rebecca had “touched the hearts of so many with her enthusiasm and zest for life”.
Following Billing’s guilty plea Designated Collision Investigation Officer Tony Hall said: “Rebecca Ashmead was described by her loved ones as being ‘devoted’ and the ‘matriarch’ of her family but sadly she was taken from them too soon because of Billing’s actions.
“The family have thankfully been spared the additional pain of a prolonged trial through Billing’s guilty plea, but his attempts to get the charges dismissed has meant her family has had to endure almost two years waiting for closure.”