Mini-cab driver jailed for death by dangerous driving after knocking down 27-year-old while high on cannabis

Jacob Jarvis7 February 2019
WEST END FINAL

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A mini-cab driver who knocked down a 27-year-old man who died at the scene has been jailed.

Adefemi Adebisi, 36, caused the death of Joshua Hayes in Lewisham in October 2016.

Abedisi, of Wyatt Close in Surrey Docks, has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

He was previously found guilty for causing death by careless driving while over the limit through cannabis in December, at Woolwich Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Wendy Parker, lead officer in the case from the Roads and Transport Policing Command at the Met, said: "Adebisi admitted in court that he had used cannabis multiple times in the space of one week. The public put their trust in licensed mini-cab drivers and expect to be transported in a safe environment when they step into a vehicle.

"This man imprisoned today undoubtedly put others at risk by his behaviour and this case shows the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. We hope it will act as a deterrent in future to others."

After the crash, authorities attended and found Mr Hayes, who was from Sidcup, lying injured.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as asphyxiation.

The case took two previous attempts to come to court before concluding today.

The family of Joshua, an English graduate who was working as a lecturer at a college, gave an emotive set of statements.

His mother detailed the devastating effect his untimely death has had on the whole family - his elder brother, younger sister, husband and herself.

Mrs Hayes, said: "This man is a habitual risk taker...without due care for his passengers, other road users and pedestrians. He could have eased our burden by pleading guilty and saved us years of pain leading up to the trial."

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