Deadly Eastbourne Chase Ends with 18-Year Jail Term
A reckless driver who caused the deaths of three men in Eastbourne has been jailed for 18 years. Robbie Cook, 39, from Croxden Way, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court for deadly dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.
High-Speed Chase Turns Fatal
The devastating crash happened on February 13 last year. Cook chased three men – Daniel Davies, 21, Jonny Day, 32, and Jon “Tommy” Miller, 36 – through Hampden Park in a Range Rover. The victims’ Citroen Berlingo lost control and smashed into trees on Hampden Park Drive. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Drug Deal Gone Wrong Sparks Chase
Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team revealed the chase began over a dodgy drug deal. Both vehicles were seen near Woburn Way that evening, where a cannabis deal was supposedly set. Instead of drugs, the victims handed over large amounts of popcorn – sparking Cook’s furious pursuit.
CCTV footage showed the grey Range Rover aggressively tailing the Berlingo at breakneck speed. Evidence proved Cook’s vehicle made contact with the back of the victims’ car before it crashed.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “Robbie Cook drove recklessly in pursuit of these three men… forcing the Berlingo into the junction of Decoy Drive and Hampden Park Drive at high speed, leaving them with nowhere to go.”
Cook’s Callous Cover-Up
After the crash, Cook shockingly stopped to inspect the scene with a torch but fled without helping. He later lied to police, denying involvement and destroyed his phone to block the investigation. Cook admitted he ran to avoid being caught with drugs in his car.
DCI Campbell blasted Cook’s behaviour: “Despite his actions causing the collision, he showed no concern for the welfare of anybody in the car… He did not remain there, did not help, nor did he contact the emergency services.”
Justice Served for the Victims
Cook’s guilty plea slashed his sentence from 24 to 18 years, plus a 14-year driving ban. Sussex Police welcomed the verdict, calling Cook a serious danger to the public.
“We are pleased that a dangerous offender has now been convicted and taken off our streets,” said DCI Campbell.
This tragic case is a grim reminder of the deadly cost of dangerous driving and crime. Sussex Police sent condolences to the victims’ families and vowed to keep fighting for justice.
