Cocaine-Impaired Driver Receives Eight-Year Sentence for Fatal Motorway Crash
A driver whose cocaine-fuelled appalling driving led to a fatal collision near a major Midlands motorway junction has been sentenced to over eight years in prison. Ben Woodland, now 25, was behind the wheel of a VW Golf when he lost control on the A4538 Pershore Lane, close to junction six of the M5 near Worcester.
Tragic Collision Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred on Monday, April 29, 2024, at approximately 10.25pm as Woodland was travelling towards Spetchley in Worcestershire. Failing to negotiate a left-hand bend, his vehicle crossed into the opposite carriageway and collided with a Honda Civic driven by a 57-year-old man.
West Midlands Ambulance Service responded to the scene, where they found one vehicle on its side. Despite immediate advanced life support efforts, the Honda driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Woodland's four passengers, all men in their 20s and 30s, sustained potentially serious injuries and were transported to Worcester Royal Hospital for treatment.
Legal Proceedings and Police Statement
Woodland, of Ploughmans Walk in Droitwich, failed a roadside drug wipe that tested positive for cocaine following the collision. He was subsequently found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs at Worcester Crown Court.
On Friday, February 6, 2026, Woodland received an eight-year, three-month prison sentence. The court also imposed:
- A five-year driving disqualification
- An additional extension period of five years and six months
- A mandatory re-test requirement
- Ten penalty points endorsed on his licence
Detective Constable Keyte of West Mercia Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit South described the incident as a tragedy that could have been avoided. He stated: We are pleased to get this conviction and sentencing for Woodland whose dangerous driving was exacerbated by his use of cocaine while behind the wheel. His appalling driving resulted in the tragic death of a man and no doubt put many other motorists at serious risk of harm.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The police emphasised that while no sentence can compensate for the loss of life, they hope this outcome provides some closure for the victim's family and friends. DC Keyte added: We hope it also teaches a sobering lesson to anyone even thinking about driving a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of drug-impaired driving and serves as a stark warning about the risks posed to all road users when individuals choose to drive under the influence of substances.
