Driver Jailed After Fatal Crash at 76mph in 30mph Zone

A man has been jailed for over seven years following a fatal road crash that resulted in the death of his friend. David Barker, aged 27, received a sentence of seven years and four months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The incident occurred on June 15 last year, when Barker was driving a Skoda Octavia on High Street, Wolstanton. The car was traveling at a speed of 76mph in a 30mph limit zone moments before the collision. Barker was also disqualified from driving for nine years and ten months, requiring an extended re-test before he can drive again. His passenger, Steven Field, aged 40, was ejected from the vehicle and tragically died at the scene. Barker initially fled the scene but surrendered to police five hours later. He admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the incident, although he was under the legal drink-drive limit, with authorities noting that any alcohol can affect judgment. The police emphasized that the collision was avoidable and highlighted that excessive speed directly led to the fatal outcome.