A man has been jailed for causing the death of a Coventry. dad who was a passenger in his Jaguar when it crashed into a tree. John Bates was behind the wheel of a Jaguar XF Sport when the tragic collision happened in Eastern Green Road, near to the junction with Alspath Lane, in the early hours of October 2, 2021.
His rear seat passenger Neil Keenan, aged 52, sadly died at the scene. The front seat passenger was also seriously injured. Bates, who suffered a broken leg and arm, was arrested at the scene.
The 29-year-old of Ruskin Road, Gateshead, pleaded guilty in April to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Bates was jailed for seven years and one month at Warwick Crown Court on Friday (June 9).
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He was also banned from driving for seven years. Detective Sergeant Julie Lyman, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Bates’ reckless actions have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
“He has rightly been jailed, and a dangerous driver is off the streets, making the West Midlands safer. My thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Keenan.”
Neil’s wife paid tribute in a statement released by police. “Neil Keenan, 52, beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandad, foster carer, keen bowler and fisherman. Tragically killed as a rear seat passenger in a car accident.”
Heartfelt tributes were also left at the scene of the horrific crash.
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