A driver from Sevenoaks involved in a fatal crash which killed a cyclist on a dual carriageway has been jailed for more than two years.

A court heard that David Hanson had taken cocaine and cannabis before getting behind the wheel of a car and driving down a busy dual carriageway in Essex.

The incident happened on the A127 in Wickford in September 2018. The victim, 30-year-old Ben Greenslade died after his bike was struck by Hanson's vehicles from behind.

A roadside drugs test confirmed Hanson had taken cocaine and cannabis. Blood samples analysed while he was in custody revealed he was double the legal limit for cocaine.

Further tests also found Hanson was intoxicated with dihydrocodeine - an opiate painkiller - at the time of the collision.

Hanson, 44, of Seal Road, Sevenoaks, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced the same day to 28 month in jail and disqualified from driving for three years. He will have to take an extended retest to get his driving licence back once released.

Investigating officer, Sgt Sam Nason from Essex police, said: “This is another tragic case of how someone has sadly died following a collision that involved a drug driver.

“Hanson’s actions have left a family devastated with a family losing a son and a brother on one of the county’s roads.

“While Hanson may have admitted the offences, he can’t repair the damage he has caused and he has been sent to prison.

“I hope today’s outcome offers some form of justice to Ben’s family.”

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