A speeding driver who killed a motorcyclist while under the influence of FOUR different drugs has been jailed last Friday for six years.
James Virgo, 33, was travelling at 70mph in a 40mph zone when his Citroen C2 ploughed into a Hyundai Getz and a Lexmoto 125cc motorbike.
Motorcyclist Stephen Philips, 65, suffered horrific head injuries and died at the scene of the crash which happened on the A4500 in Stoke-on-Trent at 8.40pm on May 2, 2017.
Virgo, of Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested after the crash and blood tests revealed he had cocaine, cannabis, nordiazepam and diazepam in his system.
He admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for six years at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
After the case, Sergeant Ian Tanner, senior investigating officer from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It’s always saddening to see another life lost because of someone’s reckless attitude towards taking illegal drugs and driving.
“I hope this sends a message that driving whilst on drugs can result in a custodial sentence.
“We would like to thank the public who assisted the emergency services both at the scene and with the subsequent investigation.”
By Harry Howard