A dangerous driver who killed a Staffordshire man in a horror head-on smash was today starting a seven-year prison sentence.

Ivan Weekes fled the scene after ploughing into the car being driven by father-of-one Sean Davy, who was head chef at Granvilles Brasserie in Stone.

Weekes, of Princes Street, Stone, stood emotionless as he was sent down at Stafford Crown Court yesterday. The court heard how the 27-year-old had an appalling criminal record, including convictions for driving his car at a policeman and his neighbour.

The crash took place on the A520 at Rough Close, near Meir Heath, on March 27. Mr Davy, aged 38, from Meir Heath, had just finished a shift at the restaurant and was returning to the home he shared with partner Claire Montford and 21-month-old daughter Christina.

Weekes was also disqualified from driving for seven years.

Judge John Maxwell said: “It was a terrible crash, the impact was severe and tragically Sean Davy was killed.

“The consequences of his death have been completely devastating to those he left behind. His partner and child have been left without their support from him. He had a good reputation and this was 100 per cent your fault, Weekes.”

After fleeing the scene, Weekes hid in his loft before dumping his glass-covered clothes in the washing basket and going on the run. He was arrested in Stoke-on-Trent on April 11.

The defendant, who also has a young child, changed his plea to guilty at the very last minute on Monday. Up until then, he claimed his car had been stolen and the thieves had caused the crash that killed Mr Davy.

Devastated family members described Sean as a “wonderful son, brother, partner and an immensely proud father”.