Droitwich driver jailed for causing fatal crash while under the influence of drugs
25-year-old Ben Woodland tested positive for cocaine in a roadside drug wipe following the crash
Last updated 10th Feb 2026
A Droitwich man has been jailed for more than eight years after causing a fatal crash while driving under the influence of drugs.
Ben Woodland, 25, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs at Worcester Crown Court on Friday 6 February.
The accident took place around 10:25 pm on Monday 29 April 2024 on the A4538 Pershore Lane near junction six of the M5, as Woodland was driving a VW Golf towards Spetchley.
He failed to negotiate a left-hand bend, causing the car to veer onto the wrong side of the road and collide with a Honda Civic driven by a 57-year-old man.
The Honda driver sustained fatal injuries, while Woodland's passenger also suffered serious injuries.
Woodland tested positive for cocaine after a roadside drug wipe following the incident.
In addition to his prison sentence of eight years and three months, Woodland received a driving ban of five years, with an extension of five years and six months and is required to pass a re-test.
His driving licence was further endorsed with ten penalty points.
Detective Constable Keyte of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) South said: “We are pleased to get this conviction and sentencing for Woodland whose dangerous driving was exacerbated by his use of cocaine while behind the wheel.
“His appalling driving resulted in the tragic death of a man and no doubt put many other motorists at serious risk of harm. It is quite right he was also given an extended ban from driving with a re-test too.
“No sentencing will every compensate for the sad loss of life here, but we hope it will provide the chance for the victim’s family and friends to begin to move on with their lives now.
“We hope it also teaches a sobering lesson to anyone even thinking about driving a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs. This was a tragedy that could have been avoided.”Detective Constable Keyte of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) South said: “We are pleased to get this conviction and sentencing for Woodland whose dangerous driving was exacerbated by his use of cocaine while behind the wheel.
“His appalling driving resulted in the tragic death of a man and no doubt put many other motorists at serious risk of harm. It is quite right he was also given an extended ban from driving with a re-test too.
“No sentencing will every compensate for the sad loss of life here, but we hope it will provide the chance for the victim’s family and friends to begin to move on with their lives now.
“We hope it also teaches a sobering lesson to anyone even thinking about driving a vehicle while under the influence of drink or drugs. This was a tragedy that could have been avoided.”