Eight Weeks In Jail For 'Fatal Crash' Drug Driver

5 July 2011, 15:19 | Updated: 5 July 2011, 15:30

A 41-year-old Essex man who admitted driving offences which caused a crash on Christmas Day last year has been jailed.

Jason Lockwood, from Southbourne Grove in Westcliff, even had his girlfriend and 3 children in his car, when he crashed into another vehicle on the A127 at Kent Elms Corner.

He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs, driving without due care and attention and failing to stop at a red traffic light.

Joyce Ashworth, from Hart Road, Thundersley, died in hospital one month later but the 78-year-old's death could not be directly attributed to the crash.

Lockwood was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment and banned from driving for two years when he appeared at Southend Magistrates Court today (Tuesday, July 5).

Inspector Damon Bainbridge said: "Lockwood had taken drugs but still considered himself fit to drive, with his own children in the vehicle."

"This crash highlights the dreadful consequences that can occur when people disregard the law. Mrs Ashworth's family will be reminded every Christmas of this incident and our condolences are again extended to them.”