The driver of an Audi who was high on cocaine when he hit and killed a 10-year-old girl in Dartford has been jailed.

Gavin Prodger struck Lily Lockwood while behind the wheel of his car in Watling Street at around 6.50pm on July, 10, 2021.

The 50-year-old was driving at 47mph in a 30mph zone while using his phone to send a photo moments before the crash.

CCTV footage found that Lily carefully checked the roads were clear as she crossed to meet her friends at the park.

The 10-year-old was taken to hospital where she died shortly after.

At the scene, Prodger, of Beaulieu Rise in Rochester, was arrested after failing an impairment test.

Another test was carried out while Prodger was in police custody and found cocaine and benzoylecgonine in his system.

At Maidstone Crown Court on Monday (October 23) Prodger was jailed for 12 years after causing death by careless driving and possession of cocaine.

He will serve at least eight years in prison before he can apply for parole and has been disqualified from driving until 2040.

He will also have an additional two years to serve on licence once he is released.

In addition, Prodger has been disqualified from driving until 2040 and his Audi has been forfeited.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lee Berridge, said: “Prodger’s decision to drive that day cost a young child her life and left a family in mourning for the loss of their little girl.

“Not only was Prodger under the influence of class A drugs, he was also speeding, had a known eyesight condition and was using his mobile phone.

“These critical decisions meant his ability to drive was seriously impaired, he posed a significant risk to other motorists and pedestrians, and was unable to respond in good time to avoid a tragic collision."

He added: “His sentence should serve as a lesson to others who disregard the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Their selfish actions can have appalling consequences.

“I can only hope that the conclusion of this trial allows Lily’s family some closure, knowing that the person responsible for her death is now serving a prison sentence.”