A Stoke-on-Trent man has been jailed for over seven years after dangerous driving led to the death of his friend in an "avoidable" crash.

David Barker, 27, from Weston Coyney, was sentenced to seven years and four months at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday 22 May after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He has also been disqualified from driving for nine years and ten months with a requirement to take an extended re-test before driving again.

DC Jon Stant, from the Staffordshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Barker chose to drive at speed having been out drinking with Steven and another friend.

"It was this grossly excessive speed that caused the collision and it goes to show that speed kills.

"The collision was avoidable and although Barker had consumed alcohol and was under the drink drive limit any alcohol can affect a person's judgement.

"I would implore drivers to abide by the speed limits and none for the road is better than risking being affected by alcohol when driving.

"Our thoughts remain with Steven's family who are left to deal with the consequences of the poor judgments made by Barker that morning."

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It comes after Barker drove a Skoda Octavia "at speed" before crashing on High Street, Wolstanton, on the 15 June 2025.

His passenger, Steven Field, aged 40 from Stoke on Trent, was thrown from the car and died at the scene from multiple injuries.

Staffordshire Police explained that Barker initially fled the scene before handing himself in to police five hours later.

He admitted being the driver of the car and to travelling at 76mph in a 30mph limit in the moments before the crash.