A SPEEDING motorist has been jailed for causing death by dangerous after hitting a pedestrian at nearly 20mph over the speed limit.

Benjamin Jobling, 20, was found guilty for the incident which took place on February 25, 2018, when he crashed into 31-year-old Martin Rogers, who was crossing Smannell Road, in Andover.

Being sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court today, the court heard how Jobling was driving at speeds of up to 50mph in a 30mph residential area as he rushed to get home and pick his girlfriend up before going out again in the evening.

It was heard during his journey that Jobling of Sheppard Road, Grove, had overtaken vehicles because he believed they were going too slow, even doing so on a pedestrian crossing just moments before the collision.

Mr Rogers, of Bridge Street, was walking with two other people when he went to cross the road, he saw Jobling’s grey Vauxhall Corsa speeding towards him and tried to get out of the road but could not do so.

Despite efforts of friends and medical staff the 31-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement released after the sentencing, Mr Rogers' family said: "We want to thank everyone involved, from the paramedics to the police officers in attendance and involved in the case there after.

"To the judge and all the witnesses that took the time to get this conviction, and the jury who found him guilty, thank you.”

Jobling was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail and banned from driving for three years and three months.

Speaking after the sentencing Sgt Mark Furse, from Hampshire Constabulary’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This tragic case highlights just how important it is that young and inexperienced drivers understand the devastating consequences their actions can have.

“This was a death that could easily have been avoided. Being in a rush is absolutely no excuse to drive dangerously and at excessive speeds.

“One moment of madness has had a lifelong impact on two families, one of whom will never get to see their loved one again in the case of Mr Rogers’ family.

“This should serve as a warning to all young drivers. The risks are not worth taking. Simply put, do not put your life and, most importantly, other people’s life at risk by breaking the speed limit.”