Plymouth man Paul Kingscombe, 51, was jailed for 12 years at a hearing in Truro Crown Court on July 25.
He was also disqualified from driving for a period of 13 years. Kingscombe had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The fatal crash had occurred on December 27, 2022. Kingscombe was driving on the A388 near St Dominick in Cornwall, when he lost control of his Vauxhall Zafira, which careered onto the kerb. He then oversteered in an attempt to get back onto the carriageway and collided head-on with an oncoming Honda Jazz car driven by 65-year-old Paul May.
May died from serious head injuries sustained during the collision. His passengers, May’s wife, daughter and daughter’s partner also received serious injuries, but survived the crash. It was found that Kingscombe had cocaine in his system, which he said he used to keep himself awake at work. He claimed to have no memory of the collision.
May’s widow gave a victim impact statement, describing the devastating effects on her family of the loss of a much-loved father, grandfather and husband.
Causing death and causing serious injury by dangerous driving are extremely serious offences, and sentences can be severe. If you find yourself accused of causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors at Auriga Advocates can give you the advice and support you need as you progress through your case. If you need legal advice on any driving offence, don’t hesitate to get in touch.