Motoring Law - News

Passenger Jailed for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving!

Yes, it’s true!

Millionaire businessman, John Nichols was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment in February 2010 having denied having caused the death of a young couple at the time that his fellow Company Director & Partner was driving. She pleaded Guilty and was sentenced to seven and a half years in Prison.

After spending the day at the races Nichols, knowing his Partner had (as he had) been drinking, allowed her to drive his 4.2 litre Jaguar XJ8 only for her to lose control of the vehicle at a speed in excess of 110mph in torrential rain on the A1. The vehicle smashed into a young couple stood by their broken down car, causing their death by dangerous driving.

Legal First

Nichols was convicted by a Jury and was told by Judge John Milmo QC that he had been aware that his Partner was over the drink drive limit and was driving too fast for the conditions.

He was also banned from driving for 4 years.

Frank Rogers of Oliver & Co commented:

“This is a landmark decision but one that will probably find favour with the general public who feel strongly that those convicted of or, involved in causing death by dangerous driving are often not dealt with as severely as may be justified.

Effectively, his role in this tragedy was seen as inextricably linked to that of the driver because he knew she was unfit to drive, suggested and/or allowed her to do so and sat back while she drove at reckless speeds in adverse weather conditions.

People need to be aware that they can be open to prosecution even though they are not the driver of a vehicle. The classic example of this is where someone “spikes” the drink of another but knowing that person is going to drive a vehicle. They lay themselves open to a charge of aiding and abetting the offender in these circumstances.”

 

If you would like advice on a death by dangerous driving case as well as details of our competitive rates then please contact one of our specialist motoring solicitors direct on:

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