A disqualified driver who killed his 19-year-old passenger in a crash and then lied to police has been jailed for more than four years.
Levi Baxter, 21, was driving a black Skoda Fabia along West End in Wilburton at about 9.50am on 25 October when he lost control on a corner.
Levi Baxter has been jailed for more than four years Picture: Cambridgeshire Constabulary
The car hit a tree on the passenger side, seriously injuring Cambridge teenager Ben Bland. Mr Bland was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he died two days later.
Paying tribute shortly after, Ben’s mother said: “I have no idea how to explain this pain and loss of my baby boy – the youngest of my four children. Not only have I lost my baby boy, but his two brothers and sister have also lost their little brother. Ben has also left behind his cherished and loved three-year-old son Luca.
“Ben will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our family will never be the same without Ben. We will always love you.”
Baxter, who suffered minor injuries, told officers he was a rear seat passenger, and the driver had run off.
However, officers began to doubt his version of events having found the Skoda car keys on him, so Baxter was arrested. Further checks found the Skoda had no insurance and Baxter was disqualified from driving.
In hospital, Baxter told doctors he was driving the car and in a police interview admitted driving, saying there had been mud on the road which caused him to lose control.
Baxter, of Cunningham Close, Arbury, was jailed for four years and six months on Tuesday (14 January), having pleaded guilty to causing death by driving whilst disqualified.
He also pleaded guilty to causing death by driving whilst uninsured and causing death by driving whilst unlicensed, for which he received no separate penalty. Baxter was also banned from driving until February 2035.
Detective Sergeant Shona Birkby, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Whilst this sentence will never compensate for the loss felt by Ben’s family, I hope justice being done sends a message that we will prosecute those who drive dangerously in Cambridgeshire.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this case and our thoughts continue to be with Ben, his family and friends.”