Elliot Bristow (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 54 seconds ago
Elliot Bristow, 36, from Newport, has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison after causing the death of 24-year-old Olivia Louise Lewis while driving at high speed under the influence of cannabis.
Bristow was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday 26 February after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
The collision
In the early hours of 7 August 2024, Bristow lost control of his car on the B4245 Magor Road near Newport and collided with a stone wall.
Olivia Louise Lewis, 24, from Ringland, Newport, who was a rear seat passenger, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The front seat passenger sustained significant bruising and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The investigation
Officers found Bristow was travelling at twice the speed limit at the time of the collision, ignoring clearly visible speed and warning signs. He was also twice the legal limit for cannabis.
Further enquiries revealed he had failed to inform the DVLA of a medical condition and the medication he had been prescribed.
Bristow failed to assist at the scene in any way, taking no responsibility for his actions.
Sentencing
Alongside his prison sentence, Bristow was disqualified from driving for 14-and-a-half years and will need to pass an extended test when reapplying for his licence.
Officer’s statement
PC Michelle Greatrex, the officer in the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has resulted in the needless loss of a life and my deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Olivia Louise Lewis.
“No sentence will ever bring back their daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, and I recognise the immeasurable pain and the loss they continue to endure.
“Bristow’s manner of driving fell far below that of a careful and competent driver; he ignored clearly visible speed and warning signs and was travelling at twice the speed limit at the time of the collision.
“In the early hours of the morning, he demonstrated blatant disregard for other road users as well as those in his own vehicle.
“Bristow failed to assist in any manner at scene, taking no responsibility for his actions.
“He was twice the legal limit for cannabis and, further enquiries showed, he’d failed to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of a medical condition and the medication he was prescribed.
“This case should serve as a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn’t just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you.”
PC Greatrex also thanked the injured front seat passenger for her dignity and assistance throughout the investigation and extended her wishes for a continued recovery.
