Drink-driver jailed after crash killed Clevedon woman

A van driver was three times over the drink-drive limit when he jumped a red light, hitting and killing a Clevedon woman.

Sam Bailey, aged 29, was jailed this afternoon (Friday) when he crashed into 42-year-old Melanie Miles, who was riding her moped at the time.

Bailey, who had been on the books of Bristol City FC as a teenager, had been out for 10 hours drinking in pubs on the evening of June 14 before heading to the Genting Casino in Redland where he was a member.

Richard Posner, prosecuting, said: “He stayed there until about 4.45am. He played several games on the tables and he got drunk.

“By the time he left the casino he had consumed a pint of lager and seven double whisky and cokes.”

Bailey later told police that he had drunk four pints of cider while watching the football and had another pint afterwards. He then went to the casino and carried on drinking into the night.

Bailey, of no fixed abode, was jailed for six years and four months at Bristol Crown Court.

At a previous hearing, Bailey, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving a vehicle which was uninsured and driving when above the alcohol limit.

He was also in breach of a suspended eight month prison sentence - imposed in February 2014 after being convicted of possessing cannabis, publishing extreme articles and possessing extreme pornographic images - when he was found in possession of a small quantity of cocaine in March this year.

For more details, see Wednesday’s Times.