Tragic Accident: Cocaine-Impaired Driver Kills 10-Year-Old Girl
A DRIVER who was high on coke when he hit and killed a 10-year-old girl as she crossed the road to play with pals has been jailed.
Gavin Prodger’s Fatal Collision
Gavin Prodger, 53, struck Lily Lockwood while behind the wheel of his Audi in Dartford, Kent on July 10, 2021.
Cocaine and Speeding: A Lethal Combination
He was driving at 47mph in a 30mph zone, had poor eyesight, and was using his phone to send a photo moments before the horror collision.
Lily Lockwood’s Tragic Crossing
CCTV showed that Lily had carefully checked the road before crossing to join her friends in the park.
She died of her injuries in the hospital, with cops arresting Prodger after he failed an impairment test at the scene.
Cocaine Found in System: Legal Consequences
A test carried out while the motorist was in custody found cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.
Legal Sentencing: 12-Year Jail Term and Disqualification
Prodger was jailed for 12 years today after admitting death by careless driving and possession of cocaine.
He will serve at least eight years in prison and has been disqualified from driving until 2040 – with his Audi forfeited.
Impact on Lily’s Family and a Lesson to Others
Detective Constable Lee Berridge, said: “Prodger’s decision to drive that day cost a young child her life and left a family in mourning for the loss of their little girl.
“Not only was Prodger under the influence of class A drugs, he was also speeding, had a known eyesight condition, and was using his mobile phone.
“These critical decisions meant his ability to drive was seriously impaired.
Consequences of Driving Under the Influence
“He posed a significant risk to other motorists and pedestrians, and was unable to respond in good time to avoid a tragic collision.
“His sentence should serve as a lesson to others who disregard the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Their selfish actions can have appalling consequences. I can only hope that the conclusion of this trial allows Lily’s family some closure.
“The person responsible for her death is now serving a prison sentence.”
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