A drunk driver who smashed into a primary school’s lollipop lady before speeding off as she lay dying in the road, has finally pleaded guilty.
Ashley Billing was almost double the legal drink drive limit when he killed 49-year-old Rebecca Ashmead in the town of Yate, South Gloucestershire back in March 29, 2023. Ms Ashmead, who had been a lollipop lady for St Paul’s Primary School, in the town since April 2018, was found fatally injured by police.
Paramedics attended and first aid was provided but, despite their efforts, she died at the scene. Officers found a large amount of debris, including the vehicle’s front bumper and licence plate at the scene. The court heard the Ford Focus had failed to stop at the scene, but officers were able to track down the vehicle owner and it was established that 39-year-old Billing had been the driver.
He was arrested a short time later and it was established he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. Billing had 68 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit being 35. In Bristol Crown Court on Thursday he was sentenced after admitting three offences. Billing pleaded guilty to causing death by driving a vehicle while unlicensed/uninsured, causing death by driving while disqualified and to causing death by while over a prescribed limit. He was jailed for nine years, reduced from 12 years for his guilty plea. He was also been banned from driving for 10 years.
Rebecca Ashmead was killed by a drink driver
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Image:
Avon and Somerset Police / SWNS)
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, her family 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.”
Officer in the case, designated collision investigation officer Anthony Hall said: “The strength displayed by Bex’s family throughout this lengthy investigation has been astounding and I would like to once again express my sincere condolences for their loss. Anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs are putting themselves, other road users and pedestrians who are going about their day, at risk.
“Billing’s selfish actions that day took away a mother from her children and that is unforgiveable. I hope this sentence will serve as a reminder to for people to think twice before getting behind the wheel and will give Bex’s family some closure as the continue to come to terms with their loss.”