A drug driver who killed a man in a head-on crash near Trowbridge has been jailed.
Ben Clough was driving a Range Rover along the A350 Yarnbrook when he crossed the central white lines, colliding head on with a Nissan X-Trail on 4 April 2022.
The driver of the Nissan, 69-year-old Robert Godfrey from Westbury, sustained significant injuries and died at the scene.
Clough was breath tested and drug tested, returning a positive drug wipe for cocaine, and was subsequently arrested.
At Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday (14 December), the 31-year-old was sentenced following his guilty plea to causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.
The defendant, of Sambourne Gardens, Warminster, was handed a nine-year prison term.
The court heard that in February this year, whilst on bail for the fatal crash, he was caught drug driving. He was given a community order and banned from driving in July.
Community road safety officer PC Charlotte Sartin said: “Firstly, I’d like to pay tribute to Robert’s family for their courage and bravery throughout this ordeal.
“On April 4 last year, Clough put many people’s lives at risk by choosing to get behind the wheel while under the influence of cocaine.
“Unfortunately, his actions led to the death of Robert.
“Not only that, in February this year while on release under investigation before a charge was authorised by the CPS, Clough was stopped by officers again under the influence of cocaine.
“Clough’s incredibly reckless and dangerous actions had already led to the death of Robert and it’s shocking to think he willingly chose to drive while under the influence of drugs again.
“Nothing can bring Robert back but hopefully this lengthy sentence will bring his family some closure and lead Clough to reflect on his actions.”
