Drug driver jailed after causing fatal collision in Bournemouth
A drug driver has been jailed after he admitted causing a fatal road traffic collision in Bournemouth.
Benjamin Stacey, also known as Benjamin Hindley, aged 42 and of Bournemouth, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court to be sentenced on Friday 1 November 2024. He had previously admitted causing death by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison and disqualified from driving for a period of 14 and a half years following his release from prison.
The charges related to a fatal collision that occurred at around 6.30pm on Saturday 11 February 2023 in Castle Lane West.
The defendant was riding a Honda motorcycle with a pillion passenger. He was seen riding at speeds estimated at no less than 55mph in the 30mph zone as he approached the traffic light junction with East Way.
He proceeded to drive through a red light and collided with a Volkswagen Polo, which was turning into Castle Lane West from East Way in accordance with the green traffic signal.
As a result of the collision, Stacey and his passenger came off the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries.
Very sadly the passenger, 46-year-old Helen Cooper, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stacey was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, which resulted in his left leg being amputated below the knee, and a sample of his blood was obtained while he was there.
Analysis of the blood found benzoylecgonine – a metabolite of cocaine – present at more than 500 micrograms per litre, well above the specified limit of 50 micrograms per litre. Also present was ketamine at more than 140 micrograms per litre, above the specified limit of 20 micrograms per litre.
At the time of the collision, Stacey was disqualified from driving due to a previous offence of driving or attempting to drive when unfit through drugs.
Sergeant Richard Stroud, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Benjamin Stacey’s utterly reckless driving whilst heavily under the influence of drugs has had totally devastating consequences.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of Helen Cooper and I would like to thank them for their support throughout the investigation and court process.
“We cannot stress highly enough the risks motorists pose to themselves, their passengers and other road users by riding or driving when their judgement and reactions are impaired through the use of drink or drugs.
“We have seen yet again the devastating impact that these actions cause.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their courageous actions during the the evening of the collision administering first aid until emergency services arrived. This would have been a tragic and upsetting scene for all involved.”
The road safety charity Brake runs a free support service for people who have been bereaved, seriously injured or are helping a road crash victim.
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