A ‘dangerous’ drink driver has been jailed after causing a fatal crash in the Cotswolds.

Yasen Yanev, 34, was sentenced to six years at Gloucester Crown Court for causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the prescribed limit of alcohol.

This comes after a crash on Moreton high street on Saturday, June 11, of this year.

Yanev, who was driving a BMW Z4, collided with a 54-year-old motorcyclist, Mike Molina, who died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

Yanev, of Tanhouse Avenue in Birmingham, had been driving at “excessive speed” and on the wrong side of the road when he went straight over a mini-roundabout.

He was breathalysed by officers and blew over the permitted alcohol limit.

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary's roads policing unit later viewed CCTV from a pub in Stow that showed Yanev repeatedly buy alcohol for himself and a friend over a four-hour timeframe before getting into his car and driving away.

As part of the initial investigation over 30 witnesses were spoken to and many stated how Yanev had overtaken multiple vehicles and travelled on the wrong side of the road.

He has also been disqualified from driving for six years, starting from the date of his release from prison, and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

PC Shelley Holloway, the investigating officer, said: "I am pleased with this conviction as not once did Yanev think about the consequences of his actions that evening.

"This dangerous behaviour resulted in the tragic loss of life and I hope that other motorists remember this incident when deciding if they should drink and drive.

“Our thoughts and condolences remain with that of Mr Molina’s family and friends and the wider community in Moreton who have been affected by this incident.”

Cotswold Journal: Mike Molina Mike Molina (Image: Mike Molina)

Mr Molina's wife, Carmela, provided a victim impact statement.

It read: "Since this incident my world has been changed forever.

“For over 29 years, we have been a devoted couple with plans for our future. In one terrible moment, all of this and the life we knew has gone.”

Following the conclusion of the court case Mr Molina’s family issued the following tribute: "The fact that Mike's life has been taken in the cruellest and most unnecessary way is the hardest thing to accept.

"We all wish this had never happened and Mr Yanev had thought before he got into that car.

“We cannot understand why someone would get into a car under the influence or Yanev’s utter disregard for people's safety by speeding at an excessive amount.

"Yanev's arrogance and selfish actions have completely destroyed our family. We just hope people will learn from his actions to never drive under the influence or speed.”