A MERCEDES-DRIVER who was high on cocaine when he struck and killed a much-loved former teacher near Thornbury has been jailed for nine years.
Daniel Booth, 31, was 16 times over the legal drug-drive limit and hit kerbs and verges multiple times in the minutes before his car veered into the path of an oncoming bike ridden by Neil Routley.
Mr Routley, 56, who had previously taught at Patchway High School died from the injuries he sustained in the incident in Aust on June 29 last year.
Booth, from Lydney in Gloucestershire, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at a previous hearing at Bristol Crown Court and was jailed today (Thursday, June 25).
Emergency services were called to Aust Road at about 12.30pm on June 29, with Booth arrested at the scene.
He was found to have 14 micrograms of cocaine and 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine in his system - the legal limits being 10 micrograms and 50 micrograms respectively.
The court was told Booth had taken cocaine approximately 12 hours before the incident and the delayed impact of taking the drug had impaired his driving.
At the time of the collision, the Mercedes Booth was driving was fitted with a dashcam.
The footage was reviewed during an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police and showed Booth hitting kerbs and verges on multiple occasions in the minutes before the incident.
He also could be heard yawning and making a comment about feeling tired.
Mr Routley’s wife, Jo Routley, paid tribute to her husband and said he is hugely missed by those who knew and loved him.
“Neil was a much-loved husband, brother and son,” she said.
“We are devastated by his loss.
"After 20 years teaching maths, Neil left Patchway High School to fulfil his dream of working for himself as a cycle mechanic, though he continued his love of teaching by helping his customers and instructing at archery.
“He was always active, enjoying paragliding, paddleboarding, badminton and rifle shooting.
“His main passions were cats, coffee and cycling.
"Sunday, June 29 last year was a hot day like today, so Neil went for a morning cycle when it was cooler.
“He was due to be back for lunch so we could go for a walk together in the afternoon.
“Tragically, he never came home.
“Neil’s untimely death was caused by a selfish and thoughtless act, which will continue to impact his family and friends every day.
“His family and friends will miss him greatly.”
Booth had no previous convictions.
Judge Martin Picton accepted he was remorseful, but explained he knew the risk he was taking.
He added: “The dangers of drug-driving are well known.
“No one can be ignorant of the risk.
“The message is out there: that drug-driving kills.”
Booth received a prison sentence of nine years, and he was also disqualified from driving for five years and will have to pass an extended test before being allowed to regain his licence.
Designated Investigating Officer Emma Ling from Avon and Somerset Police said: “This incident has devastated Neil Routley's family, and our thoughts are with them.
“It’s clear his death has left a massive hole in their lives that no court sentence could ever fill.
“There are times when accidents can happen and there is nothing anyone could have done about them.
“However, this is not the case with this tragedy.
“Daniel Booth got behind the wheel that day and was clearly in no safe condition to drive.
“The dashcam footage showing his car striking the kerb multiple times and capturing him yawning is truly shocking, yet he continued to drive on.
“Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol massively increases the chance of a serious collision, even if it is several hours later.
“Driving under the influence is recognised as one of the fatal five most-common reasons behind such incidents.
“We make no apology for highlighting this repeatedly because the consequences of drivers ignoring that danger is devastating, as has been sadly illustrated in this case.”
Senior Crown Advocate Christine Hart said: “The sentence today follows a thorough police investigation and close partnership working with the Crown Prosecution Service to put together a strong case with evidence so compelling it left Booth with no choice but to plead guilty.
“I’d like to thank Mr Routley’s family for their patience and dignity throughout these proceedings.”
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