Speeding drug-driver jailed after killing father and his two-year-old son

A speeding drug-driver went through a red light before crossing over on the wrong side of the road, killing a father and his two-year-old son.

James Gibson had been taking cannabis and also had alcohol in his system when he crashed into the side of a car being driven by John Woodcock – who was with his two-year-old son Lewis – on Chesterfield Road North in Pleasley, Nottinghamshire, on 15 January last year.

The 31-year-old was jailed for 12 years at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday after pleading guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was also banned from the road for 18 years.

The court heard another car behind Mr Woodcock’s was also hit, leaving three people with minor injuries.

Nottinghamshire Police said Gibson had “travelled through a red light, undertaken vehicles and consistently exceeded the 30mph speed limit, reaching speeds of up to 82mph”.

It said his Audi had been recorded at 82mph, 75mph and 52mph at three separate locations before the crash.

Gibson had to be cut out of his vehicle and later claimed he had no memory of the crash.

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After the hearing, the wife of 44-year-old Mr Woodcock thanked emergency services who tried to help her family.

“I know we didn’t get the outcome we had hoped for, but I know all these people tried their very best to help my boys,” said Caroline Woodcock.

“The two amazing ambulance staff who were there for me whilst we waited, I will never forget you and everything you did for me.

“Now we have finally had the sentencing and this part is over, finally my boys can rest at peace and I and the family can try to build some sort of life where we try to come to terms with this horrific loss.”