Drug-Fuelled Van Driver Jailed After Soaring Crash in Headcorn
A van driver with no licence and cocaine in his system has been locked up after a terrifying crash in Headcorn. Karl Willoughby, 33, was caught driving a Ford Transit at up to 75mph in a 30mph zone before smashing into two cars last July.
Van Takes Off Over Bridge, Smashes Into Two Cars
Willoughby lost control on a humpback bridge on the A274 Biddenden Road, sending the van airborne. It slammed into a Skoda Fabia and a Suzuki Grand Vitara travelling the opposite way. Two women were hurt, with one trapped and needing firefighters to rescue her from the wreckage. Willoughby was also trapped when the van flipped over.
Driver Faked Identity, Caught with Cocaine and Cannabis
Kent Police launched a probe and discovered Willoughby initially gave false details. Urine tests revealed cocaine and cannabis. Willoughby admitted he’d never had a driving licence or taken a test, despite claiming he was using the van for work.
15 Months Behind Bars and Nearly Five-Year Ban
At Maidstone Crown Court, Willoughby pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving uninsured, and driving without a licence. He was sentenced on 25 June 2019 to 15 months in prison. He was banned from driving for almost five years and must pass an extended test to get back behind the wheel.
Sergeant Peter Greaves of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Willoughby was driving so recklessly that witnesses saw the van flying through the air. He should never have been behind the wheel — no licence and having taken Class A drugs and cannabis.”
“His actions caused serious injury to two drivers who will live with the consequences for a long time. I thank them for their help during our investigation.”
