Samuel Russell, 37, was more than 10 times over the drug-drive limit and nearly three times over the drink-drive limit on January 27, 2024.
It was then that he hit Steven Ward on Bakeham Lane in Englefield Green.
The 62-year-old was taken to the hospital but died from his injuries.
Russell pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and possession of cocaine at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on September 30 but stated he had no memory of the crash.
He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Friday (November 21) to nine years and nine months in prison for causing death by dangerous driving, and a concurrent six-week term for possession of cocaine.
He will also be banned from driving for seven years and eight months upon release and must take an extended test to regain his licence.
Investigating Officer Amilia Bishop said, “More people die on our roads each year in the UK than are murdered and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a huge contributing factor to this statistic.
“Samuel Russell made the decision to get behind the wheel of his vehicle after spending three hours consuming large quantities of alcohol and had been taking cocaine in the early hours of that day.
“Now both he, and the family of Steven Ward, have to live with the consequences of that decision.
“I want to commend Steven’s family and friends for their patience throughout the investigation, and their bravery and grace in court.
“Nothing will bring their beloved husband, father, and friend back, but hopefully the sentence given helps them to feel some justice has been served.”
Paying tribute to her father, Steven’s daughter Charlie said: “His loss has left a profound hole in our lives.
“He was an incredible father, husband, colleague and friend, kind, intelligent and always putting others first. Our family is devastated.
“He was Head of Patents (UK) at Syngenta and about to take his well-earned retirement.
“Now our family is trying to come to terms with life without him.
“While justice has been served, it can never bring our dad back.
“Despite the horror of what happened, I hope Samuel can turn his life around, find purpose, and cherish a life my dad no longer can.
“We are so grateful for all the support we have received from the police, the hospital staff and the people who were there at the time of the incident.
“Thank you.
“I hope others hold their loved ones close.
“I will miss my dad every day, he was my best friend.”
