Drug-driver pleads guilty to causing road death after Tempsford crash

Neil Aitken was killed after a driver on illegal drugs crossed the carriageway and drove towards him, hitting his car

A van driver has admitted being over the drug-drive limit and causing the death of a man whilst driving on the wrong side of the road.

Jordache Piette, 23, pleaded guilty to careless driving after his van fatally struck Neil Aitken's car at Little Barford Road, Tempsford, Bedfordshire.

Mr Aitken, 56, from St Ives in Cambridgeshire, was pronounced dead at the scene in April 2022.

Luton Crown Court heard Piette drove on the wrong side for about six seconds.

Piette, of of Burrell Road, St Neots, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while over the limit for drugs, when the crash happened at 09:40 BST.

He was found with two different drugs in his system, cocaine and cannabis, the court heard.

Judge Michael Simon bailed Piette and said he would be sentenced on 12 April.

'Left a huge hole'

In a tribute, Mr Aitken's family said: "Neil was a wonderful son, fabulous brother, great brother-in-law, an amazing uncle, and a dear friend to many.

"He was always smiling and was a happy-go-lucky guy that was the life and soul of the party (and there were a few).

"His tragic death has totally rocked and devastated our family.

"He was a very kind-hearted person that would have done anything for anyone always there when needed.

"He was our everything and has left a huge hole that will never be filled, taken from us far too soon, we will miss him dearly."

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