A drink driver from Sleaford admitted killing his passenger when his car hit a tree in Lincolnshire.
A drink-driver was warned of a “substantial” prison sentence after admitting responsibility for his passenger’s death when his car struck a tree in Lincolnshire. Samuel Simpkins, 38, confessed to causing the death of 38-year-old Gemma Whitehead through careless driving while exceeding the legal alcohol limit.
The incident, which took place just after midnight on January 3 on Cliffe View in South Rauceby, was outlined at Lincoln Crown Court. Simpkins registered 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, surpassing the legal limit of 35.
Prosecutor David Eager informed the court that, besides the alcohol, Simpkins had consumed cocaine and its metabolite. He remarked, “This was a straight road that any driver should have managed successfully.”
Residing on Alexandra Road in Sleaford, Simpkins denied a second charge of causing death by driving without insurance and a license. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted these pleas, the court heard.
Defending lawyer Tom Heath requested a delay in sentencing to prepare reports on Simpkins, citing a potential diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Heath also called for a psychiatric evaluation.
Judge James House KC rejected Simpkins’ bail application, stating, “This man is facing a substantial custodial sentence, and the time of year makes no difference to that.” Judge House remanded Simpkins into custody, advising, “It is sensible you start it now.”
An interim driving ban was also imposed on Simpkins, who will be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court on February 21.
