A DRUG driver killed his passenger in a crash and fled the scene after climbing over her lifeless body, a court heard.

Luke Bates, 34, was driving under the influence of cannabis and exceeding the speed limit when he lost control of his BMW, which he had owned for only a short time.

The car spun off the road and crashed into trees and bushes, killing mother of three Kim Bainbridge, 51, of Buckthorn Close, Totton.

Bates scrambled out of the badly-damaged vehicle and ran away as police were called, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Archie Mackay, prosecuting, said the defendant was eventually found hiding in his mother's loft at his mother's house. He was arrested and told police his passenger was responsible for the crash.

"He said he was shoved four, five, maybe six times and explicitly blamed Kimberley Bainbridge for her own death," said Mr Mackay.

The accident happened at the junction of West Quay Road and Mountbatten Way, Southampton, on June 30 2019.

Two workmen heard the crash, which made the ground shake, the court heard.

Mr Mackay said Bates was driving at about 50mph in a 30mph zone, adding: "He was travelling too fast around a bend in an unfamiliar car while under the influence of cannabis.

"The defendant fled because he knew he was at fault. Why else this desperate act of self-preservation?"

Bates, of Mansergh Walk, Totton, admitted causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed drug limit, failing to stop after an accident and driving without insurance.

Andrew Houston, in mitigation, said the defendant's behaviour at the scene was "appalling".

He added: "This is a man who had tried to straighten himself out after a rather troubled youth. He had gone some way to becoming a more responsible member of society.

"He has demonstrated remorse by pleading guilty and sparing everyone a trial."

Judge Christopher Parker QC said Miss Bainbridge was killed instantly in the crash.

He told the defendant: "Through your speed, folly and taking of drugs you killed her, shattering her family and badly damaging your own. You then climbed over her lifeless body and ran off.

"You pleaded guilty at a very late stage, drawing out the misery of everyone connected with this case."

Bates was jailed for six years for causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed drug limit and banned from driving for seven years.

There were no separate penalties for failing to stop after an accident and driving without insurance.

Speaking after the case PC Jonathan Dove from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: "This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who considers getting behind the wheel while impaired.

"Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but others as well. In this case, three boys lost their mother and our thoughts are with them. We hope this provides them with some justice.

"Sadly, there are still people who are choosing to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The consequences of this are devastating.

"The message is a simple one - it is not worth the risk. You endanger yourself, others in your vehicle, and other road users."