Man jailed for causing fatal crash in Bishops Waltham
45-year-old Darren John Silvester from Southampton has been sentenced
Last updated 28th May 2025
A Southampton drug driver has been jailed, for causing a fatal collision in Bishops Waltham.
45 year old Darren John Silvester, from Cobbett Close in Southampton, tested positive for cocaine at the roadside, following a crash in which a motorcyclist lost his life last December.
A Ford Ranger, driven by Silvester, and a Lexmoto Diablo motorbike, were involved in a collision on Winchester Road, at the junction with The Avenue.
33-year-old Damien Walton from Clanfield, died at the scene.
Silvester was arrested at the scene, on suspicion of being unfit through drink or drugs and for driving while over the prescribed drug limit.
A sample of blood found he had not less than 480 micrograms of benzoylecgonine per litre of blood (ug/l).
The specified limit is 50ug/l.
Silvester has now been handed a 32 month prison sentence by Southampton Crown Court and will be disqualified from driving for five years after his release.
Temporary Police Sergeant Jonathan Dove from Hampshire Police said: "There is never any excuse for getting behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated by drink or drugs. Silvester's selfish actions that day have devastated a family by causing the death of a well-loved man who will miss Damien dearly.
"We are committed to bringing anyone who drives under the influence of drugs to the courts and will keep pursuing cases against these people and bringing the families of their victims some justice."