A POPULAR Blackdown Hills young farmer was killed when a friend who was over the drink-drive limit crashed his car late at night on a country lane near Dunkeswell.
Exeter Crown Court heard Jacob Chugg-White was a passenger in a Volkswagen Golf car driven by William Bennett, aged 24, of Broadhembury, Devon.
Mr Chugg-White, aged 23, who lived in Honiton, died and four other people in the car were injured.
Bennet appeared in court on Friday (September 29) and pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mr Chugg-White by careless driving while he was over the drink driving limit.
He admitted having an alcohol reading at the time of the crash of 96 milligrams in 100 litres of blood, which was above the legal limit of 80.
Judge Anna Richardson adjourned Bennett's sentencing until November 16 and imposed an interim driving ban and remanded him on bail.
The crash happened on an unclassified road near the Blackdown Hills eventing course at Dunkeswell at 12.30 am on Saturday, July 23, last year.
Family of Mr Chugg-White sat in the crown court public gallery as Bennett admitted his guilt during a short plea and trial preparation hearing.
Mr Chugg-White, known as ‘Chuggy’, was a prominent member of Honiton Young Farmers Club, which posted a tribute and picture on its website after his funeral.
It read: “Chuggy was the life and soul of Honiton Young Farmers Club.
“Tug of War captain, a keen stockman at the annual show and sales, and most recently the chief road crew assistant for our charity bike ride.
“Your energy lit up the room and you always made us laugh.
“You have touched so many hearts within our club and you will be sorely missed.
“Rest in peace Chuggy, we will never forget you.”