A DRINK-driver who left a Yate mum to die in the road after knocking her down has been jailed for nine years.
Ashley Billing (above) was subject to a driving ban from a previous offence when he hit 49-year-old pedestrian Rebecca Ashmead in Kennedy Way, Yate, at around 5.30pm on March 29, 2023.
Billing, aged 39, drove off, leaving Rebecca, also known as Bex, on the road with multiple injuries.
A large amount of debris from the Ford Focus car, including its front bumper and registration plate, were also in the road.
An Avon & Somerset police spokesperson said: “Paramedics attended and first aid was provided but, despite their efforts, Rebecca sadly died at the scene.
“The Ford Focus had failed to stop at the scene, however officers were able to track down the vehicle owner and it was established that Ashley Billings had been the driver.
“He was arrested a short time later and it was established he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.”
Plea change meant reduced sentence
Billing, formerly of Yate but now of Rossetti Road, Patchway, initially denied charges of causing Rebecca’s death by driving without due care and attention while over the drink-drive limit, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving while uninsured or licensed.
However, after a legal bid to dismiss the case against him failed last November, he changed his pleas to guilty to all three charges.
At Bristol Crown Court today he was sentenced to nine years in prison: his change of plea meant the sentence was reduced from 12 years.
Billing has also been banned from driving for 10 years.
Already branded a ‘serial drink driver’
At the time of the incident Billing was already subject to a 40-month driving ban, imposed in April 2021, after driving while drunk on the Avon Ring Road and M32 from Frenchay into Bristol city centre, in a van which only had three tyres at the time.
He had been jailed for eight months for that offence – his third drink-driving conviction – and branded a “serial drink-driver” by a judge.
‘Our lives have been utterly destroyed’ – family
After her death Rebecca’s family described the mother-of-four (above) as the “matriarch of an incredibly close family” and “the best big sister”.
She worked as a school crossing patrol or lollipop lady at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in the town, and was “passionate about road safety”.
Speaking after Billing was sentenced today, the family said: “As a family, we are relieved the person responsible for taking our beloved mum and sister from us has finally been sentenced.
“While no amount of time in prison will ever change the fact that our lives have been utterly destroyed by his actions, we are grateful to have some semblance of closure.
“Bex was the most selfless, caring, fun, hard-working and supportive person, and her loss has devastated all her family, friends and the wider community.
“We thank the police and CPS for their work on her case, and to everyone around us who has given support and kind words, while continuing to respect our much-needed privacy.
“We hope that this traumatic event may cause people to be aware of the potential impact of their own driving and consider taking a more active approach in preventing others from driving in situations where they may be impaired.”
‘Selfish actions’ took a mother from her children
The police officer who led the investigation, Designated Collision Investigation Officer Tony Hall, said: “The strength displayed by Bex’s family throughout this lengthy investigation has been astounding, and I would like to once again express my sincere condolences for their loss.
“Anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs are putting themselves, other road users and pedestrians who are going about their day, at risk.
“Billing’s selfish actions that day took away a mother from her children, and that is unforgivable.
“I hope this sentence will serve as a reminder to people to think twice before getting behind the wheel, and will give Bex’s family some closure as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”