A DRIVER who was drugged up on cocaine and painkillers has been jailed for killing a cyclist in a crash.

David Hanson's van drove into the back of Ben Greenslade's bike along the A127 in Wickford on September 2, 2018.

Mr Greenslade, 30, died at the scene and Hanson was arrested at the roadside after testing positive for cocaine and cannabis.

Blood samples were taken while Hanson, 44, was in custody and showed he was double the legal limit for cocaine.

A forensic pharmacologist found he was significantly intoxicated with dihydrocodeine – an opiate painkiller - at the time of the collision.

Police say he may also have been intoxicated with cocaine, cannabis and morphine.

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Following an extensive investigation by detectives, Hanson, of Seal Road, Sevenoaks, appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on February 27 this year.

He appeared at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, Friday, July 10, and pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Hanson was sentenced to 28 months behind bars and is disqualified from driving for three years.

He will have to take an extended retest to get his driving licence back.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Sam Nason, from Essex Police's serious collisions investigations unit, said: “This is another tragic case of how someone has sadly died following a collision that involved a drug driver.

“Hanson’s actions have left a family devastated with a family losing a son and a brother on one of the county’s roads.

“While Hanson may have admitted the offences, he can’t repair the damage he has caused and he has been sent to prison.

“I hope today’s outcome offers some form of justice to Ben’s family.”

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Mr Greenslade's family said they were heartbroken by his death when paying tribute to him back in 2018.

They said: "Words can't describe how much Ben was loved by everyone who knew him.

"He was thoughtful, sensitive and kind, putting everyone before himself.

"Ben was extremely athletic, loved to cycle and was at his happiest being outdoors. The whole family is heartbroken by what has happened.

"Ben was a wonderful son, a wonderful brother, a wonderful man."