Drink-driver jailed after killing mum of four in Yate
Ashley Billing admitted to causing the death of a ‘selfless, beloved mum’
A drink-driver, who killed a pedestrian in Yate, is starting his nine year prison sentence.
Ashley Billing was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by driving while over the limit, while disqualified and being uninsured.
Rebecca Ashmead died at the scene after being hit by Billing on Kennedy Way last year (29 March 2023).
Avon and Somerset Police said: "Upon arrival, officers discovered 49-year-old Rebecca Ashmead with a number of injuries and a large amount of debris, including the vehicle’s front bumper and licence plate.
"Paramedics attended and first aid was provided but, despite their efforts, Rebecca sadly died at the scene."
The Ford Focus had failed to stop at the scene, however officers were able to track down the vehicle owner and it was established that Ashley Billings had been the driver.
Yesterday (9 January) he was jailed for nine years, reduced from 12 years for his guilty plea.
He has also been banned from driving for 10 years.
Rebecca, known to her loved ones as ‘Bex’, has previously been described by her family as the ‘matriarch of an incredibly close family’, as a mother to four children and the ‘best big sister’.
In a statement upon sentencing, they added: “As a family, we are relieved the person responsible for taking our beloved mum and sister from us has finally been sentenced.
"While no amount of time in prison will ever change the fact that our lives have been utterly destroyed by his actions, we are grateful to have some semblance of closure.
“Bex was the most selfless, caring, fun, hardworking and supportive person and her loss has devastated all her family, friends and the wider community.
“We thank the police and CPS for their work on her case, and to everyone around us who has given support and kind words, while continuing to respect our much-needed privacy.
“We hope that this traumatic event may cause people to be aware of the potential impact of their own driving and consider taking a more active approach in preventing others from driving in situations where they may be impaired.”