A Maidenhead man has been sentenced for causing death by careless driving having failed a drugs wipe for cocaine and cannabis.

Simon Powell, aged 30, of Sycamore Road, Maidenhead received a three-year sentence at Reading Crown Court on Monday 7th January. He pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by careless driving and was also been banned for driving for four years and six months.

On the 20th January 2018, Mark Simpson, aged 52, was left with traumatic head and chest injuries when he was struck from behind by Simon Powell whilst he was riding his bicycle on Harvest Hill Road. He died from his injuries six days later.

Powell failed to immediately stop at the scene, but when police apprehended him, he failed the drugs wipe test. A blood test later revealed he also had the metabolite BZE at almost twice the prescribed limit in his system.

Investigating officer, PC Joy Jarvis, of the Three Mile Cross Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

“This was a tragic incident which caused the death of Mr Simpson. It highlights the devastating consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs.

“Because of Powell’s irresponsibility in choosing to drive while under the influence of drugs, Mr Simpson has lost his life. I hope this case serves as a warning to others of the dangers of drug driving”