Drunk driver who killed cyclist jailed after police use pub CCTV to prove extent of his drinking

A drunk driver who killed a cyclist and then fled the scene has been jailed for five years and four months at Southampton Crown Court.

Samuel Woolley, 27, from Bartley, pleaded guilty to causing death by due care whilst over the prescribed limit and failing to stop after the incident shortly after midnight on 22 December 2017.

Woolley, who had spent the afternoon and evening drinking, crashed into 32-year-old Richard Gardner, who died in hospital later that day from his injuries.

The prosecution told the court that Woolley drove off because he knew he was over the drink-drive limit. He had left the Old Farmhouse pub in Totton half an hour earlier.

His father went to the scene after Woolley told him he had been in an accident, and when he realised how serious it was told police where to find his son.

Officers from Hampshire Police arrested Woolley at 3.40am on suspicion of impairment and an investigation by the Serious Collision Investigation Team pieced together the extent of his drinking.

His mobile phone revealed he had been in three pubs that day, with officers visiting each of them to retrieve CCTV footage which showed him consuming a number of drinks.

Police established that between 2.50pm and 11.19pm he drank at least six pints of beer and one shot of Jägermeister.

While there were no toxicology tests to prove he was over the limit, there was sufficient evidence for him to be charged, and expert analysis of a breath sample taken five hours after the incident showed he would have been over the limit when it happened.

Besides the prison sentence handed down to him, Woolley was disqualified from driving for six years and eight months, with an extended re-test.

PC Lucy Hawkins, from Hampshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Woolley fled the scene that night leaving Mr Gardner fatally injured by the roadside.

“At that moment all he was worried about was himself and how he could avoid being caught drunk behind the wheel.

“However, what he didn’t bank on was that we would carry out a full and thorough investigation that would clearly prove his drink-driving was the cause of this tragic collision.

“The CCTV clearly shows him drinking several different drinks, which would have put him significantly over the drink-drive limit.

“While our alcohol tests play a significant role in prosecuting drink-drivers, they are not the only way we can prove a motorist is over the limit and this case proves that.

“I hope that this case sends a clear message that we will take all action necessary to ensure that drink-drivers face justice, no matter what attempts they make to avoid it.

“Mr Gardner would still be alive today if Woolley had not made the reckless decision to drink and drive that night. It is never worth the risk – the consequences can be fatal.”

She added: “Our thoughts are with Mr Gardner’s loved ones.”