THE family of a man killed by a drug driver say they are “heartbroken” and “devastated” to have lost their “happy smiling George”.

Tributes have been paid to 31-year-old George Greaves from Hampshire who died in a car crash on the A338 spur road.

George has been described as a “talented musician” and a “kind man with a kind soul”.

His family said in a statement: "The sudden loss of our happy smiling George - son, brother, grandson and friend - has devastated our family and changed all our futures forever.

“We will all remember George for his kindness and care for others, plus his awesome guitar skills that provided us and him with so much pleasure.

"The world was far more wonderful with George in it. He will be forever missed by us all for the promising life we were so looking forward to being a part of, that now will never be.

"Rest and rock in peace George."

George was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the evening of Thursday, June 15.

He was the front seat passenger in a Nissan Micra when it was ploughed off the road by a drug driver on the A338 near the Ashley Heath roundabout.

Yusuf Muzil, 22 and of Cumbrian Gardens in London, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, September 29, charged with causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. 

He was also charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, having left the two other occupants of the Micra – George’s girlfriend and her mom – seriously injured.

Family members of all three victims were present at the court and nine victim impact statements were shared ahead before Judge Robert Pawson gave the sentence.

George’s mother said: “I believe no one should have to go through what we have been through.

“George was my best friend. He was part of me and now I have lost that part of me forever.

“Justice needs to be carried out to help us to keep living without him.”

George’s father told the court: “Every day for the rest of my life will be emptier without my George in it.

“I will never be able to spend any more George - Dad time."

George’s girlfriend then described how he had ‘died in her arms’ and how the shock remains “as if it happened five minutes ago”.

She told the court: “No one deserves to watch their partner die.

“We were planning a life together. Now the path we envisioned will forever remain a mystery.”

Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: "Yusuf Muzil’s reckless driving at excessive speeds on the night of Thursday, June 15, had tragic consequences and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of George Greaves.

"This case is another demonstration of the truly horrific consequences of motorists failing to drive in a safe and sensible manner and we are determined to ensure those who pose a danger to other road users are identified and brought to justice.”