Gosport drunk driver jailed for killing man in fatal car crash

Stephen Brown, 25, of Trinity Green, Gosport was sentenced to five years and three months on Friday after pleading guilty to causing the death of Vincent Taylor by dangerous driving on December 21, 2018.

Mr Taylor’s family described his death as ‘incredibly traumatic’.

Brown, who tested positive for alcohol and twice the legal limit 70 minutes after the crash, had been travelling in his Audi through roadworks on the M5 Northbound between junction 26 and 25, where a 50mph limit was in place.

He reached speeds of approximately 128mph and was seen moving at speed across the carriageway from lane three to lane one before colliding with a Mini Clubman being driven by Mr Taylor.

An open bottle of beer was found in Brown’s car and alcohol was also smelt in the vehicle during examination of the vehicle at the scene.

The 59-year-old from Dartmouth died in hospital several hours later from injuries sustained in the collision.

In a victim impact statement read to Taunton Crown Court, Mr Taylor’s partner Zoe Gale said: ‘The impact of losing Vini has been and continues to be incredibly traumatic for us all.

‘When a loved one leaves the house, says goodbye but never returns it’s a hard situation to come to terms with.

‘Teamed with the horrific way he was taken from us by a drunk driver speeding and that he died alone is incredibly hard to bear.’

Brown has also been disqualified from driving for seven years and three months.

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Investigating officer Dai Nicholas added: ‘Vincent Taylor’s tragic death has had a devastating impact on his family and our thoughts remain with them at this time.

‘Mr Brown showed a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and an apparent disregard for the great danger being caused to others.

‘I hope this case serves as a stark reminder about the consequences of drink driving and driving in a dangerous manner.’

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