POLICE have issued a warning to motorists after a Chandler's Ford driver was jailed for killing his friend in a high speed crash while over the drink and drug limits.

Billy Plested killed his friend Luke Shaw in the 103-mile an hour crash on the M27.

Unlicensed driver Billy Plested, 21, overturned his Vauxhall Corsa while nearly double the drink drive legal limit between Fareham and Portsmouth on June 26 last year.

Plested was jailed for four years and eight months for killing his friend and front seat passenger Luke Shaw, 20, from Bitterne, Southampton.

He died of his injuries in hospital three days after the incident.

Sergeant Richard Grant, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision has had a devastating impact on the lives of all three families involved.

“These were three friends who were out having a good time but it ended in tragedy because of Plested’s irresponsible decision to get behind the wheel despite the fact he had been drinking and had taken cannabis.

“That one decision has resulted in the death of his friend, destroyed the life of Mr Shaw’s family and left his other friend with serious injuries.

“Had he just decided to call a taxi or a friend to pick them up then this would not have happened.

“This case shows just how important it is for drivers not to drink or take drugs and then drive. The consequences can be fatal and it is simply not worth the risk.

“I also hope that this case will emphasise the importance of wearing seatbelts. Shaw was not wearing his but if he had the outcome may have been different.

“It takes just a second to put on a seatbelt and it could save your life.”

Two other men in the car, a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old, were also taken to hospital but were discharged.

Plested was also banned from driving for five years with a 28-month extension at Portsmouth Crown Court.

The court heard how Plested drank half a litre of spirits and lager, drinking between go-kart races with his friends in Gosport before getting behind the wheel.

The group ordered a double brandy and coke at the Hoeford Inn after one race and a double rum and coke after the second race.

After the licensee refused to serve them again, the group went to the Castle In The Air pub in Fareham, where they ordered more drinks.

Receipts seized by the police revealed 11 drinks orders had been made.

As well as being nearly double the 80mg alcohol limit, blood analysis showed cannabis over the limit was also found in his blood.

Plested, of Cox Row, Chandler's Ford, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink and drugs.

He also admitted one count of causing death while unlicensed.

The court heard Plested had a full licence, but told the DVLA of a diabetic episode and was on a restricted licence, which had lapsed.

The court also heard that Mr Shaw had not been wearing a seatbelt but a forensic collision investigator from Hampshire police found he may not have survived even if he was wearing one.

Luke, of Carey Road, worked at Kwik Fit in Shirley and had just completed an apprenticeship as a technician.

Shortly after the crash Luke's dad Gary paid tribute to his son, a former pupil at Redbridge Community School.

He said: “Luke was not only my son, he was my best friend.

“I am so proud of the man he had become and all he achieved, particularly in his job at Kwit Fit where he was extremely respected, loved and valued.”

The 49-year-old added: "He was happy go lucky, he would do something to help anyone."