Drug driver who killed pedestrian in Coventry is jailed for almost five years - The Coventry Observer

Drug driver who killed pedestrian in Coventry is jailed for almost five years

Coventry Editorial 26th Mar, 2021   0

A DRUG DRIVER has been jailed for more than four years after hitting a pedestrian who was crossing the road in Stoke, Coventry.

Kerry Wester, 58, had just got off the bus and was crossing the Binley Road when he was hit by Bradley Costello driving a Vauxhall Insignia, just after 7.15pm on November 18, 2018.

Despite the best efforts of hospital staff, Mr Wester died the following day.

CCTV showed that Costello was accelerating past another car just as the road changed from a single lane to two lanes near traffic lights at the junction with Church Lane when he hit Mr Wester.




Costello, 32, who also had his partner’s teenage daughter and her friend in the car at the time, remained at the scene and following a roadside drugs test he was arrested.

Costello, of Coombe Avenue, Coventry admitted causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for cannabis and cocaine.


He was jailed for four years and 10 months at Warwickshire Justice Centre.

He was also banned from driving for seven years and five months and will be subject to an extended re-test if he reapplies for a licence.

Insp Steve Radford, from West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Costello knowingly got behind the wheel while under the influence of both cannabis and cocaine and as a result of his actions Mr Wester tragically lost his life.

“Mr Wester was much-loved by his family and friends and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to live with their sad loss.”

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