David Hanson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving (credit: Essex Police)
Ben Greenslade, 30, died after being hit from behind by a van while cycling on the A127 in Wickford on Sunday, 2 September 2018.
Ben Greenslade was described as thoughtful, sensitive and kind
The driver, David Hanson, 44, from Sevenoaks, was tested at the roadside for drugs which revealed he had taken cocaine and cannabis.
Officers took blood samples which were later analysed and revealed he had taken double the legal limit for cocaine.
A forensic pharmacologist found Hanson would have been significantly intoxicated with dihydrocodeine, an opiate painkiller, at the time of the collision. He may have also been intoxicated by cocaine, cannabis and morphine.
Hanson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, 10 July.
He was sentenced the same day to 28 months imprisonment and was disqualified from driving for three years.
“This is another tragic case of how someone has sadly died following a collision that involved a drug driver,” said investigating officer, Sergeant Sam Nason.
“Hanson’s actions have left a family devastated with a family losing a son and a brother on one of the county’s roads.
“While Hanson may have admitted the offences, he can’t repair the damage he has caused and he has been sent to prison.
“I hope today’s outcome offers some form of justice to Ben’s family.”
Hanson will have to take an extended retest to get his driving license back.
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