Drink driver, 39, ploughed into lollipop woman and left her to die on the street in sickening hit-and-run

A drink driver has been jailed for nine years after he ploughed into a ‘selfless’ lollipop lady who was mother-of-four and then left her to die on the road in a sickening hit-and-run.

Ashley Billing, 39, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today after he pleaded guilty to three offences.

The offences were causing death by due care while over the limit, causing death by driving while disqualified and causing death by driving a vehicle in which the driver is unlicenced/uninsured.

On Wednesday March 29, 2023, police were informed of a collision between a Ford Focus and a pedestrian on Kennedy Way in Yate, South Gloucestershire, at around 5.30pm.

When officers arrived they found Rebecca Ashmead, 49, with a number of injuries and a large amount of debris, including the vehicle’s front bumper and licence plate.

Paramedics attended the scene and first aid was provided but, despite their best efforts, Rebecca sadly died at the scene.

Billings had fled the scene in the Ford Focus but officers were able to track down the vehicle owner and it was established that Billings had been the driver.

He was arrested soon after and it was established he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Ashley Billing, 39, was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today after he pleaded guilty to three offences

Rebecca Ashmead, 49, was found with a number of injuries and, despite paramedics best efforts, died at the scene

Billings was sentenced to nine years in prison, 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’ and the ‘best big sister’.

In a statement after the sentencing, the family said: ‘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.’

Designated Collision Investigation Officer Anthony Hall, who worked on the case, 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.’