Drunk driver jailed for six years after fatal crash that killed mother of three
Deadly crash on Mountbatten Way
Just after 11pm on Sunday, 30 June 2019, a silver BMW 320i careered off Mountbatten Way, flipped, and ended up on a roadside verge. Witnesses saw the driver, later identified as 34-year-old Luke Andrew Bates from Mansergh Walk, flee the scene on foot.
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.
Manhunt leads to dramatic attic arrest
Police launched a hunt for Bates after the crash. Following tips that he was driving the silver BMW, officers found him hiding in the loft of a property in Totton. Bates suffered minor injuries but was quickly arrested.
A blood test revealed Bates was over the legal THC limit, with 5µg/l in his system – more than double the 2µg/l legal allowance.
Jail time and driving ban handed down
Bates pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while over the drug limit, failing to stop, and driving without insurance. Southampton Crown Court sentenced him to six years behind bars and slapped on a seven-year driving ban.
Police issue stark warning
PC Jonathan Dove from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who considers getting behind the wheel while impaired. Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but others as well.”
“In this case, three boys lost their mother, and our thoughts are with them. We hope this provides some justice.
“Sadly, people still choose to drive under the influence. The consequences are devastating. The message is simple – it’s not worth the risk. You endanger yourself, your passengers, and every other road user.”
