A DRINK driver has been jailed for nine years for causing the death of his friend in a Rowley Regis road crash which happened after the car they were in hit speeds of 83 to 92mph.

Cory Sewell, aged 25, of Barr Street, Birmingham, was driving a grey Mercedes when it hit a lamppost on Penncricket Lane on the morning of April 29.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, Hamse Ismali, aged 28, was pronounced dead at the scene – while two other men in the vehicle suffered minor injuries and an arm injury respectively.

Sewell has been jailed for nine years and banned from driving for five years upon his release from prison. He will also have to pass an extended test before he can take to the roads again.

Enquiries confirmed the Mercedes had been travelling between 83mph and 92mph on a 30mph speed limit road just before the collision.

CCTV footage showed the vehicle momentarily airborne before landing and losing control, mounting the footpath and colliding with a lamppost.

Following the crash, Sewell initially refused assessment for his injuries and admitted to officers ‘I’ve just seen my friend die because of me’.

He was found to be over the legal alcohol limit for driving and was arrested.

Sewell pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Det Sgt Julie Lyman, from the West Midlands Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Sewell had total disregard for his and his friends’ safety and made the decision to get behind the wheel despite being over the legal alcohol limit.

“He drove dangerously, flouting the speed limit and his decision ultimately cost Hamse’s life – a tragic incident that could have easily been prevented.

“My thoughts are with Hamse’s loved ones and I hope the sentence offers a sense of closure.”

As the Euros kick off, a new campaign ‘#NotComingHome’ is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.

The campaign features Harry's Story - shared by a heartbroken family who lost their son and brother to a reckless drink driver - and it aims to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of drink driving.