A DRINK driver who caused the death of a motorcyclist in Wootton Wawen was more than four times the legal limit and had taken cocaine.
Craig Allen, age 35 of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and death by excess alcohol at Coventry Crown Court on Thursday (May 26).
He was sentenced to nine years in prison – reduced to six years for an early guilty plea – after causing the head-on collision which killed dad-of-two Robert Loach.
Allen, who was driving a Ford Fiesta, crashed into Mr Loach’s orange Kawasaki bike on the A3400 Stratford Road on April 25. The motorcyclist was confirmed dead at the scene after going into cardiac arrest.
Following the collision Allen gave a positive breath test with a reading of 155mg – the legal limit is 35mg. He also tested positive for cocaine.
PC David Bull said: “This was a tragedy which could have been avoided. The simple fact is that driving when you have been drinking or taking drugs is not just illegal it puts you and other road users at risk.
“I hope that the sentence given out yesterday sends a message to all road users who might be tempted to drive after they have had a drink. It’s just not worth it.”
Mr Loach grew up in Redditch where he lived all his life and worked for local company S E Davis.
But his main focus was his family – partner, Lian, and his children aged one and three.
Paying tribute, Lian said: “Robert was the world’s most doting father, a loving and wonderful son and brother to seven cherished siblings.
“He was also a good friend to anyone that got to know him.
“He was my rock, my soulmate, the love of my life and I love him more than I could possibly say.”
Robert’s mother, Sam, added: “Robert was my first born son, a truly wonderful, inspirational person and most loving son.”
