Drunk driver admits causing death of young farmer in crash

Members of Jacob Chugg-White's family sat in the public gallery of the court

A driver has admitted causing the death of a young farmer by careless driving while over the drink-driving limit.

William Bennett, 24, of Broadhembury, near Honiton, Devon, was driving a VW Golf with four other occupants when it crashed near Dunkeswell at 00:30 BST on 23 July 2022, Exeter Crown Court heard.

One of the passengers, Jacob Chugg-White, 23, who was known as Chuggy, died at the scene.

A judge remanded Bennett on bail for sentencing on 16 November and banned him from driving until then.

The court was told that the crash happened on an unclassified road near the Blackdown Hills eventing course at Dunkeswell.

Police said at the time that a man had died and four other occupants of the car had been treated for less serious injuries.

Bennett had an alcohol reading of 96 milligrams in 100 litres of blood, which is above the legal limit of 80 milligrams at the time of the crash, the court heard.

Members of Mr Chugg-White's family sat in the public gallery of the court as Bennett entered his plea.

Mr Chugg-White was a prominent member of the Honiton Young Farmers Club, which posted a tribute on its webste after his funeral in August 2022.

It read: "Chuggy was the life and soul of Honiton Young Farmers Club.

"Tug of War captain, a keen stockman at the annual show and sales and most recently the chief road crew assistant for our charity bike ride.

“Your energy lit up the room and you always made us laugh.

"You have touched so many hearts within our club and you will be sorely missed."