'Selfish' drug-driver jailed after killing cyclist

A "deeply selfish" drug-driver who killed a cyclist in a head-on collision has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

Daniel Booth, from Lydney in Gloucestershire, struck cyclist Neil Routley in Aust, close to the Severn Bridge, last year. Neil suffered "catastrophic" injuries and died at the scene, Bristol Crown Court heard earlier.

Booth, 31, who was 16 times over the drug-drive limit, previously admitted causing Routley's death by dangerous driving.

Speaking in court, Neil's wife Joanna said: "It's been almost a year but I'm still struggling. I miss him in every second of every day."

The judge in the case said Booth had been "selfish" when getting behind the wheel.

On 29 June 2025, Booth drove from Bristol to Gloucestershire in his Mercedes about 12 hours after taking cocaine.

Dashcam footage from his car showed him swerving, speeding, colliding with kerbs and verges, as well as narrowly missing a parked vehicle minutes before the fatal collision.

He could also be heard yawning and making a comment about feeling tired.

Booth then struck Neil Routley, who the court heard "had nowhere to go".

Avon and Somerset Police said Booth was arrested at the scene, and found to have 14 micrograms of cocaine and 800 micrograms of benzoylecgonine (BZE) in his system. The legal limit is 10 micrograms and 50 micrograms.

Booth's defence team told the court it was a "stupid mistake, and does not represent him".

Speaking in court, Joanna paid tribute to her husband, who was a former maths teacher at Patchway High School before he quit to pursue his "dream of working for himself as a cycle mechanic".

She said: "Sunday 29 June last year was a hot day, like today, so Neil went for a morning cycle when it was cooler.

"He was due to be back for lunch so we could go for a walk together in the afternoon. Tragically, he never came home.

"Neil's untimely death was caused by a selfish and thoughtless act, which will continue to impact his family and friends every day.

"His family and friends will miss him greatly."

She also told the court they were about to plan their honeymoon later in the year

Sentencing Booth, Judge Martin Picton said: "No sentence I can pass today will be equal to the terrible loss you have caused.

"You chose to drive whilst still affected by cocaine you'd taken the night before.

"You didn't appreciate your level of impairment. You knew the risk.

"How could you be so deeply selfish?"

"He was there for you to see, if you'd had your eyes open you would have.

"I accept your remorse is deep-felt and genuine."

Booth will serve six years of his sentence in custody, and will be banned from driving for five years when he is released.

He will have to pass an extended test before being allowed to regain his licence.

Investigating officer Emma Ling said the incident had devastated Neil's family.

"It's clear his death has left a massive hole in their lives that no court sentence could ever fill.

"There are times when accidents can happen and there is nothing anyone could have done about them. However, this is not the case with this tragedy.

"Daniel Booth got behind the wheel that day and was clearly in no safe condition to drive."

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