A drug dealer is facing a lengthy jail term after an accident that claimed the life of his passenger.
Shortly after 11:30 pm on May 20, 2025, Lee Rance, 44, was driving in Southend with 37-year-old Carly Hicks in the passenger seat. Police became aware that Rance was speeding and attempted to stop him, but he rapidly drove away, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree. Ms. Hicks died in hospital from injuries sustained in the collision.
A police investigation revealed that Rance was driving while high on a cocktail of drugs including heroin, morphine, cocaine, methadone, diazepam and prescription medications. A prohibited firearm and a stash of Class A drugs were discovered in the car. Rance’s fingerprints were found on the gun, and messages stored on a phone indicated that he was dealing in illegal drugs.
On April 30, 2026, Rance was convicted of one count of causing death by dangerous driving, one count of possession of a prohibited firearm, and two counts of possession of Class A drugs with an intent to supply. He was sentenced to 20 years and 3 months jail, and disqualified from driving for a period of 10 years after his release.
If you are under investigation for causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors with expertise in driving offences can give you the support you need. Our team at Auriga Advocates have years of experience and specialist knowledge of driving offences, so contact us now for legal advice and support as your case moves forward.