A motorist has been handed a three-year prison sentence after shocking footage emerged of him opening a can of lager just moments before a high-speed crash that left two people with life-altering injuries.
Reckless Act Caught on Camera
John Doocey, 30, of Trimley St Martin, Suffolk, was behind the wheel of a Nissan NT400 flatbed van on the A133 in Frating, Essex, at approximately 7 pm on August 3 this year. In extremely poor driving conditions, Doocey attempted a dangerous overtake while travelling at more than 80mph.
Video evidence released by Essex Police, captured on Doocey's own phone, shows the driver cracking open a can of Stella Artois while operating the vehicle. The reckless act preceded a catastrophic loss of control.
Catastrophic Collision and Rescue
After his risky manoeuvre, the van began to fishtail violently. It subsequently left the roadway, rolled, and collided with a tree. The impact was severe, trapping one of the passengers inside the wreckage.
While one passenger managed to extricate themselves, the other remained trapped until emergency services arrived and worked to free them. Both victims sustained serious injuries that are expected to affect them for the rest of their lives.
Police Condemn 'Reckless' Behaviour
PC Harry Townsend of Essex Police condemned Doocey's actions, stating that driving is a privilege, not a right. "He paid no attention to the conditions and drove way above his capability, causing a collision which has had a significant impact," Townsend said.
The officer emphasised the potential for a fatal outcome, noting the speed and reckless nature of the driving. "More than 50 people have died on Essex’s roads, and speed has been a contributing factor to several of the most serious incidents," he added, urging all drivers to recognise their responsibility to others on the road.
A police spokesman described the case as a stark example of the reckless behaviour officers work daily to identify and tackle. The force expressed satisfaction that Doocey will be off the roads for the foreseeable future following his sentencing.
