A drug driver who caused a fatal collision in West Dorset has been sentenced at court.
Joshua Jack Craven, aged 22 and of Trinity Way, Bridport, appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 12 December 2024 after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison and disqualified from driving for a period of nine years and one month.
At around 1.35pm on Monday 1 January 2024 a collision occurred on the A35, near to the turning to Kingston Russell, between Dorchester and Bridport.
The collision involved a black BMW 116 M-Sport being driven by the defendant, a black Toyota Aygo and a silver Kia Sorento.
Witnesses described seeing the defendant’s BMW being driven in an ‘erratic’ and ‘aggressive’ manner moments before the collision at speeds estimated at around 80 to 90mph.
The BMW then failed to negotiate a bend and crossed into the path of the Toyota – which was travelling in the opposite direction – and collided with it, sending it spinning into the path of the Kia.
Emergency services attended the scene and very sadly a passenger in the Toyota, an 18-year-old man from Cornwall, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Craven was one of three other people taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. While in hospital, he provided a blood sample which was later found to be over the specified limit for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – a psychoactive constituent of cannabis – which was present at a concentration of 2.2 micrograms per litre of blood. The specified limit is two micrograms per litre of blood.
Craven’s vehicle was also examined and his tyres were found in a poor state, with one having a tread depth significantly below the legal minimum and another that was underinflated following a slow puncture. It is believed this was likely to have been a significant factor in the defendant losing control of his vehicle.
Sergeant Gareth Thomas, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Joshua Craven’s reckless driving while under the influence of drugs was witnessed by several motorists and appeared to be over a sustained period.
“This case demonstrates the truly devastating consequences that result if someone decides to drive without due consideration for the risk they pose to other road users and has sadly resulted in the loss of a young man’s life.
“Our thoughts are very much with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly died.”
In support of the national Christmas drink and drug drive Operation Limit campaign, we are encouraging communities to report a drink or drug driver and work together to prevent a collision happening in their area. Call 999 with vehicle details and direction of travel, or contact us online to provide information about someone who is suspected of driving while under the influence.
