A COKED up Mercedes driver who veered across the road and killed a cyclist out on a Sunday morning ride in a head-on collision has been jailed for nine years.

Daniel Booth, 31, struck 56-year-old cyclist Neil Routley at Aust, close to the M48 Severn Bridge crossing to Chepstow, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, when the driver was no less than 16 times over the drug-drive limit for cocaine.

Emergency services were called to the B4461 Aust Road at about 12.30pm, but were unable to save the former maths teacher, from Winterbourne, who died at the scene as a result of serious injuries.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Booth, from Lydney in the Forest of Dean, drove from Bristol towards Gloucestershire in his Mercedes, roughly 12 hours after taking cocaine.

Avon and Somerset Police said Booth was arrested at the scene, and found to have 14mg of cocaine and 800mg of benzoylecgonine in his system.

The legal limit is ten micrograms and 50mg.

Police also said Booth’s car was fitted with a dashcam, which showed the driver hitting kerbs and verges on multiple occasions in the minutes leading up to the incident.

He also could be heard yawning and making a comment about feeling tired before veering across the road at 46mph into the cyclist, who was on his way back home for lunch with his family.

Booth admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was banned from driving for five years after his release, and will have to pass an extended test before being allowed to drive again.

Emma Ling, Designated Investigating Officer, said: “This incident has devastated Neil Routley’s family and our thoughts are with them. It’s clear his death has left a massive hole in their lives that no court sentence could ever fill.

“There are times when accidents can happen and there is nothing anyone could have done about them. However, this is not the case with this tragedy.

“Daniel Booth got behind the wheel that day and was clearly in no safe condition to drive. The dashcam footage showing his car striking kerb multiple times and capturing him yawning is truly shocking. Yet he continued to drive on.

“Driving after consuming drugs or alcohol massively increases the chance of a serious collision, even if it is several hours later. Driving under the influence is recognised as one of the fatal five most common reasons behind such incidents.

“We make no apology for highlighting this repeatedly, because the consequences of drivers ignoring that danger is devastating, as has been sadly illustrated in this case.”

Christine Hart, Senior Crown Advocate, said: “The sentence today (June 25) follows a thorough police investigation and close partnership working with the CPS to put together a strong case with evidence so compelling it left Mr Booth with no choice but to plead guilty.

“I’d like to thank Mr Routley’s family for their patience and dignity throughout these proceedings.”

Neil’s wife Jo Routley paid tribute to him and explained how he is missed by those who knew and loved him.

Jo said: “Sunday June 29 last year was a hot day, like today, so Neil went for a morning cycle when it was cooler.

“He was due to be back for lunch so we could go for a walk together in the afternoon. Tragically, he never came home.

“Neil’s untimely death was caused by a selfish and thoughtless act which will continue to impact his family and friends every day.

“His family and friends will miss him greatly.”