Jason Briars, a 54-year-old from Flitwick, has been sentenced to five years in prison after causing the death of 83-year-old Thomas De Lacy in a tragic drink-driving incident. The collision occurred in November 2021 on the A507 near Maulden.
Briars spent four and a half hours at a local bar, consuming nine pints of Guinness and a pint of cider. Despite being heavily intoxicated, he decided to drive his Ford Transit van. Witnesses reported his erratic driving before he drifted onto the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with De Lacy’s Vauxhall Corsa.
Following the collision, Briars was seen stumbling and had slurred speech. A roadside breath test revealed he had twice the legal alcohol limit in his system.
At Luton Crown Court, Briars pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. In addition to his prison sentence, he received a four-and-a-half-year driving ban.
Detective Constable Neil Crosier from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Serious Collision Investigation Unit highlighted the severe consequences of drink-driving. He expressed hope that the verdict would bring some comfort to De Lacy’s family and friends, emphasising the critical message that driving under the influence is never 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.
