A DRINK driver whose passenger was killed when he lost control of his car and hit a tree has been jailed.

Mark Andrew Green, 44 and of Dumpdon View, Monkton, Honiton, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday January 24 after admitting an offence of causing death by careless driving when over the prescribed limit.

He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison and given a three-year driving ban, which will begin following his release from prison.

At around 5.50pm on Saturday January 26 last year a single vehicle collision occurred near the village of Middlemarsh at Tiley Knap, near Sherborne. A Peugeot Boxer panel van being driven by the defendant left the carriageway and collided with a tree.

Green’s passenger, his friend 37-year-old Neil Adam Parsons from Sherborne, sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to hospital for treatment but sadly later died from his injuries.

Officers attended and Green was asked to give a roadside breath test which gave a positive indication for alcohol. A blood sample taken nearly three hours after the collision was found to contain 120 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 80 milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood.

Inspector Joe Pardey, of the traffic unit, said: “Mark Green’s decision to get behind the wheel after drinking on Saturday 26 January 2019 has had truly awful consequences, resulting in the death of his friend and devastation for the family of Neil Parsons.

“Our thoughts remain with Neil’s family and I hope this case serves as a warning to others of the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol.”

Following the accident, Mr Parsons' family said: "In our hearts and memories Neil will always stay. Loved and treasured by all who knew him.

"A very special son, daddy, partner, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin. Friend to many."