A 28-year-old man from Bexhill, Sussex, who killed the passenger on his motorcycle in a drink and drug driving accident has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court.
The court heard that on March 12, 2020, the unlicenced and uninsured driver drove at excessive speed into a 30mph bend on his black Yamaha motorcycle, losing control and leaving the road before colliding with a lamppost.
His pillion passenger, then 27 years old, was airlifted to hospital but died four days later as a result of his injuries.
The driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries immediately following the accident and blood tests found him to be over the limit for both drugs and alcohol, and CCTV footage confirmed he had been drinking in a pub earlier that evening.
Her Honour Judge Laing QC told him: “You were ten times over the limit of cocaine and well over the drink drive limit. You were aware of the effect the drink and drugs were having on you and you were told by the landlord of the pub that you had had enough and it was time to leave.
“It is unbelievable that ten minutes or so later you were riding a motorbike with a pillion passenger.
“The lives of those who loved him have changed forever. This case is yet again a powerful reminder of the responsibility of a driver when they take control of a vehicle.”
The man pleaded guilty to causing death by driving without due care, drink driving, drug driving, and driving without licence or insurance. He was sentenced to six years in prison and banned from the roads for seven years. Should he wish to drive again he will need to take an extended retest.
Investigating officer Lauren Upton said: “On the night of March 12, 2020, [phe] knowingly rode a motorcycle while under the influence of drink and drugs, resulting in devastating consequences for his passenger and his family.
“Drink and drug driving destroys lives and puts you and other road users in danger. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgement – it is simply not worth the risk.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
