Ashley Dean has started a sentence of nine years and four months behind bars, after causing the death of 32-year-old Lisa Birtwistle by dangerous driving.
Dean (pictured), was nearly twice the drink-drive limit when he failed to negotiate a left hand bend, crossed into the opposing lane and struck the offside kerbstone before his Vauxhall van came to a stop wedged against a lamp post.
Lisa was a front-seat passenger during the collision on Blackpool Road, Poulton-le-Fylde in March last year.
Drink-driving
Dean, of Argyll Road, Poulton, had been drinking in a nearby pub before getting behind the wheel and driving at speeds between 47 and 57mph in a 30mph zone.
Rather than ringing for assistance, Dean disposed of several bags of cocaine in a nearby alleyway, more concerned about potential ramifications for himself than Lisa’s welfare.
Lisa was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Tests later showed that and well as being over the drink-drive limit, Dean had cocaine and cannabis in his system. Dean was also not insured to drive the vehicle.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death while uninsured. He was banned from driving for 14 years.
“Selfish actions”
T/Sgt Martin Wilcock, from the Road Policing Unit, 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. Not only has it taken Lisa’s life, there is a devastated family picking left picking up the pieces.”
