Drink driver jailed for killing mother of four

Ashley Billing was sentenced to nine years in prison

A drink driver has been jailed for nine years over the death of a "beloved" lollipop lady.

Ashley Billing, 39, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by driving while over the limit, while disqualified and being uninsured.

Mother-of-four Rebecca Ashmead, 49, died at the scene after being hit by Billing on Kennedy Way, Yate, on 29 March 2023.

Billing left the scene but was tracked down after the registration plate of his Ford Focus was found among the debris.

Paramedics treated Ms Ashmead at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 17.40 GMT, but she died from her injuries.

After he was arrested, tests showed Billing, of Rossetti Road, Almondsbury, had been under the influence of alcohol while driving.

In addition to his jail sentence, which was reduced by three years due to his guilty pleas, Billing was banned from driving for 10 years.

Ms Ashmead's family said the sentencing brought a "semblance of closure"

Ms Ashmead, known to her loved ones as Bex, worked as a lollipop lady at her daughter's school and had previously been described as the "matriarch of an incredibly close family".

In a statement released after the sentencing on Thursday, her family said they were "relieved" Billing had been sentenced, adding: " 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."

They thanked the police and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work on the case, as well as "everyone around us who has given support and kind words".

"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," they added.

'Unforgiveable actions'

Officer in the case Anthony Hall described the strength shown by Ms Ashmead's family as "astounding".

"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," he added.

"Billing's selfish actions that day took away a mother from her children and that is unforgiveable.

"I hope this sentence will serve as a reminder to for people to think twice before getting behind the wheel and will give Bex's family some closure as the continue to come to terms with their loss."