Driver, 37, jailed after crash kills pedestrian

A man has been jailed after crashing his car and killing a pedestrian while more than 10 times over the drug-drive limit, police have said.

Samuel Russell, 37, was also nearly three times over the drink-drive limit when his vehicle hit Steven Ward, 62, in Bakeham Lane, Englefield Green, on 27 January, 2024, Surrey Police said.

Mr Ward was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.

Russell, from Sutton, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison and a further three years and three months on licence at Guildford Crown Court on Friday after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

When interviewed by police, Russell said he had no memory of the crash.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and possession of cocaine at Guildford Magistrates' court on 30 September and was sentenced on 21 November.

He is also serving a concurrent six-week sentence for possession of cocaine and has been banned from driving for 13 years and 11 months.

Mr Ward's daughter, Charlie, said: "His loss has left a profound hole in our lives.

"He was an incredible father, husband, colleague and friend, kind, intelligent and always putting others first. Our family is devastated."

She said that despite the "horror of what happened" she hoped Russell could turn his life around and "cherish a life" her father no longer could.

"I will miss my dad every day, he was my best friend," she added.

Investigating officer Amilia Bishop, from Surrey Police, said Russell, and Mr Ward's family, must now live with the consequences of his actions.

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