A drink driver has been jailed for nine years after causing the tragic death of a beloved mother-of-four and lollipop lady in Yate
Yate: A tragic incident unfolded when a drink driver took the life of a beloved mother and lollipop lady. Rebecca Ashmead, 49, was hit by a car driven by Ashley Billing, 39, on March 29, 2023.
Billing was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting to causing death while driving under the influence. He was also disqualified from driving for ten years.
Rebecca, known as “Bex,” was a dedicated lollipop lady at her daughter’s school. Her family described her as the heart of their close-knit group, and her loss has left a huge void.
Emergency services found her seriously injured at the crash site, but sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver fled initially but was later traced by the police.
Her family expressed relief at the sentencing, stating that while it won’t bring Bex back, it offers some closure. They hope this tragedy raises awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Officer Anthony Hall emphasized the risks of driving under the influence, highlighting how Billing’s actions have devastated a family. He hopes this case serves as a reminder for everyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel.
Joe Dodman, an attorney for Horwich Cohen Coghlan, is representing the family of Rebecca Ashmead in a civil suit.
He said, “This is a heartbreaking case where four children lost their mother due to the actions of a reckless and selfish driver. Billing was driving even though he had a revoked licence and was almost twice the legal blood alcohol limit. His actions have shaken not only Rebecca’s family, but the entire community. It’s a sobering reminder of the tragic consequences innocent people suffer when they think they can ignore the law.”
