Drink-driver admits killing passenger in crash

Samuel Simpkins pleaded guilty to causing the death of Gemma Whitehead at Lincoln Crown Court

A drink-driver was warned he was facing a "substantial" prison sentence after he admitted killing his passenger when his car hit a tree in Lincolnshire.

Samuel Simpkins, 38, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Gemma Whitehead, 38, by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for alcohol.

Lincoln Crown Court heard that the crash happened on Cliffe View in South Rauceby just after midnight on 3 January.

Simpkins gave a reading of 55 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit is 35.

Prosecutor David Eager told the hearing: "In addition to the alcohol consumed there was cocaine and cocaine metabolite."

"This was a straight road which should have been negotiated by any driver," he added.

Simpkins, of Alexandra Road, Sleaford, denied a second charge of causing death by driving while uninsured and without a licence.

The Crown Prosecution Service accepted his pleas, the court was told.

Tom Heath, defending asked for sentence to be adjourned for the preparation of reports on the defendant.

"There is a potential diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder, so I would also ask for a psychiatric report," Mr Heath said.

Judge James House KC refused an application for Simpkins to remain on bail.

"This man is facing a substantial custodial sentence and the time of year makes no difference to that," Judge House said.

Remanding Simpkins into custody Judge House said: "It is sensible you start it now."

An interim driving ban was also imposed on Simpkins who will be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on 21 February.

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