Man jailed after man dies in Coventry crash
John Bates was driving when the car hit a tree.
Last updated 11th Jun 2023
A man has been jailed after his passenger died when the car he was driving hit a tree in Coventry.
John Bates, 29, was behind the wheel of the Jaguar XF Sport when the fatal collision happened in Eastern Green Road at just after midnight on 2 October 2021.
His rear seat passenger Neil Keenan, aged 52, sadly died at the scene, near the junction of Alspath Lane. The front seat passenger was also seriously injured.
Bates, who suffered a broken leg and arm, was arrested at the scene.
Bates of Ruskin Road, Gateshead, was jailed yesterday (Friday 9 June) for seven years and one month at Warwick Crown Court.
Bates had pleaded guilty on 26 April to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He was also banned from driving for seven years.
Det Sgt Julie Lyman, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said “Bates’ reckless actions have resulted in catastrophic consequences. He has rightly been jailed, and a dangerous driver is off the streets, making West Midlands safer. My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Keenan.”