Poulton drink driver who killed passenger jailed for nine years

A drink and drug-fuelled van driver who crashed into a lamppost, killing his passenger, has been jailed.

Ashley Dean, 40, was nearly twice the legal limit when he crashed his van on Blackpool Road, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, in March 2022.

His passenger, 32-year-old Lisa Birtwistle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dean pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for nine years and four months.

Preston Crown Court heard how Dean had spent six hours drinking at a pub before getting behind the wheel of his Vauxhall Vivaro van.

Driving at speeds of between 47mph and 57mph (91km/h) in a 30mph zone, Dean failed to negotiate a left hand bend, crossed into the opposing lane and struck the offside kerbstone before the van came to a stop wedged against a lamppost.

The court heard that rather than ringing for assistance, Dean disposed of several bags of cocaine in a nearby alleyway and was more concerned about potential ramifications for himself rather than Ms Birtwistle.

Tests later showed that as well as being over the drink-drive limit, Dean had cocaine and cannabis in his system.

He was also not insured to drive the vehicle.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured. He was also banned from driving for 14 years.

Sgt Martin Wilcock said: "As a direct result of Dean's selfish actions, Lisa lost her life. He will have to live with the consequences of his truly shameful behaviour.

"My thoughts are very much with Lisa's loved ones today. I hope the outcome of this case brings them some form of closure.

"Sadly, I am talking about yet another fatality caused by an individual driving whilst impaired. This case, like so many others, demonstrates the truly devastating impact of drink-driving."

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