A MAN has been jailed for over seven years after the passenger in the car he was driving died following a collision with a tree in Coventry.
John Bates was behind the wheel of the Jaguar XF Sport when the fatal collision happened on Eastern Green Road just after midnight on October, 2 2021.
Neil Keenan, who was the rear seat passenger, died at the scene near the junction of Alspath Lane aged 52.
The front seat passenger was also seriously injured, while Bates suffered a broken leg and arm.
He was arrested at the scene, and the 29-year-old of Ruskin Road, Gateshead, was jailed yesterday (Friday, June 9) for seven years and one month at Warwick Crown Court.
Bates had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving on April 26.
He was also banned from driving for seven years.
Det Sgt Julie Lyman, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Bates’ reckless actions have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
“He has rightly been jailed, and a dangerous driver is off the streets, making West Midlands safer.
“My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Keenan.”
