‘Beloved’ lollipop lady, 49, killed after car crashes into ‘caring’ mum-of-4 with drink driver jailed
A DRINK-driver has been jailed after a “beloved mum” and lollipop lady was killed in a horror smash.
Mum-of-four Rebecca Ashmead, 49, was killed in a fatal crash in Yate, Gloucestershire, at around 5.40pm on March 29 last year.
Avon and Somerset Police responded to reports of a collision involving a Ford Focus and a pedestrian on Kennedy Way.
Officers found Rebecca seriously injured among debris from the crash.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the mum-of-four was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Ford Focus failed to stop at the scene, but the force were able to trace it and find the owner.
Investigators further discovered Ashley Billing, 39, had been driving at the time of the horror.
He was arrested shortly afterwards and officers found he had been intoxicated behind the wheel.
Billing admitted three charges at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, January 9
He pleaded guilty to causing death by due care while over the limit, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving a vehicle in which the driver is unlicenced/uninsured.
The drink-driver was sentenced to nine years, reduced from 12 years because of his guilty plea.
Billing has also been banned from driving for 10 years.
Rebecca’s family said upon sentencing: “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, hardworking 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.”