Kane Gornall locked up for causing deadly crash that killed passenger Jake Blease
Gornall admits causing death by dangerous driving
Kane Gornall pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving. The 27-year-old was sentenced on Thursday 20 April, nearly two and a half years after the fatal crash.
In the early hours of 25 September 2021, Gornall’s blue Ford Fiesta veered off the B1018 Witham Road and smashed into a tree just after midnight. Jake Blease, 25, who was a passenger, tragically died at the scene.
Family’s heartbreak: “Jake had his whole life ahead of him”
Jake’s mother, Cheryl Marshall, expressed her devastation following the sentence:
“When I heard the sentence, I was disappointed as I don’t think it reflected the gravity of what had happened and Gornall’s blatant disregard for the laws of the road and safety of his passengers. “I appreciate that no sentence would ever bring Jake back, but his life was worth so much more than the sentence handed out. Gornall may serve two years and four months but we, as Jake’s family and friends, are facing a life sentence. “Jake had his whole life in front of him until it was cruelly snatched away on that night. “I will never get to see him get married, have children of his own or grow old. “Every day, I, and all his family and friends, still feel the extreme pain and enormous hole that losing Jake has left us with and unfortunately, that will never go away.”
Speeding and drugs: Officer reveals horror crash details
PC Alan Marks of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit gave an insight into the tragedy:
“Kane Gornall was driving with two passengers that night. They’d only met up moments before heading out to collect Kane’s girlfriend from Braintree. “Tragically, they never made it. The car left the road and hit a tree. “From the moment they got in the car to Jake’s death was under three minutes. “In that short window, two families’ lives were shattered. “When we got to the scene, Gornall was over the legal limit for both drink and drugs. “He’d also been speeding — our investigation found the car was travelling at over 100mph, double the speed limit. “This deadly mix of speed and impairment caused him to lose control of the car – a crash that was entirely avoidable. The judge sentenced him to four years and eight months behind bars. “While this won’t bring Jake back, we hope it offers some closure to the family.”
Remembering Jake: “Loved by all who knew him”
In 2021, Jake’s family paid tribute, remembering a vibrant young man:
“Jake loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had a cheeky smile and a laugh no one could ever forget. “He was adored by his two little sisters and loved by everyone. Jake was a wonderful son, stepson, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. “He touched so many lives and was blessed with a wide circle of friends who will never forget his kindness or infectious personality.”
