Tragic Crash on Mountbatten Way: Driver Flees After Fatal BMW Flip
Silver BMW Crashes, Mother-of-Three Dies
Police rushed to Mountbatten Way just after 11pm on Sunday, 30 June 2019, after a silver BMW 320i lost control, flipped, and came to rest on a verge. Witnesses saw a man, later identified as 34-year-old Luke Andrew Bates from Mansergh Walk, escaping from the wreckage and fleeing the scene.
Tragically, Kim Bainbridge, 51, a mother of three from Buckthorn Close, Totton, was a passenger in the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Track Down Driver Hiding in Loft
Southampton Crown Court heard how officers launched an immediate hunt for the BMW’s driver. Clues from witnesses indicating Bates had been behind the wheel led police to a house in Totton, where they found him hiding in the loft. Bates suffered minor injuries to his legs, arms, and back before he was arrested.
A blood test revealed Bates had 5ug/l of THC in his system—more than double the legal limit of 2ug/l.
Jailed for Six Years and Banned from Driving
Bates pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving under the influence, failing to stop at the scene, and driving uninsured. Today, a judge sentenced him to six years behind bars and slapped a seven-year driving ban on him.
Police Issue Stark Warning
“This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who considers getting behind the wheel while impaired,” said PC Jonathan Dove of the Serious Collision Investigation Team.
“Not only are you risking your own life but also those of innocent people. In this case, three boys lost their mother. Our thoughts are with them, and we hope this verdict brings them some justice.”
“Far too many still choose to drive under the influence, with devastating consequences. The message is simple – it’s never worth the risk. You put yourself, your passengers, and other road users in grave danger.”
