A drunk driver who killed his friend after smashing his car into an oncoming van has been jailed for seven years and four months.
Lee Hillier, 30, was speeding in his Seat Leon on the A469 New Road, near Hengoed, when his car hit a kerb, went over to the other side of the road, and hit a VW van travelling towards him.
Passenger Jason Clarke, a 43-year-old father from Fleur-de-Lys, was killed. Two others travelling in the car, couple Carley Appleton and Granville Vincent, were seriously injured in the crash – which happened at around 8.20pm on Friday, January 11.
On Monday, February 25, Cardiff Crown Court was told how the group, which also included John Jones, had been to Hengoed to try and buy cannabis.
Following the smash, Hillier told paramedics he had drunk ten pints throughout the course of the day. He was out on bail after he was arrested earlier that day on suspicion of drink driving.
Hillier, who is originally from Trecenydd, admitted a charge of death by dangerous driving and two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He had been twice the legal limit.
Miss Appleton suffered a broken leg and ankle and Mr Vincent a fractured arm in the crash.
Jamie Dewar, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Lee Hillier ignored pleas from his passengers to slow down.
“The collision which followed had dreadful consequences.
“Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of Jason regarding their terrible loss, and we wish Carley and Granville a quick recovery.”
PC Michelle Greatrex, of Gwent Police, said: “It was Lee Hillier’s action in driving at speed and misjudging the camber of the road that set the chain of events leading to the rear seat passenger sustaining fatal injuries in the collision.
“Further to this, the occupant in the vehicle expressed his concerns to Lee Hillier, indicating that the occupant was clearly uncomfortable and wanted Lee Hillier to slow down. Further aggravating factors showed Lee Hillier to be twice the legal limit for alcohol.
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence and what happened that night and Lee Hillier’s flagrant disregard for other road users as well as the occupants of his vehicle.”
