Drunk Driver Jailed Over Deadly Crash That Killed Passenger
A reckless driver who killed a passenger while drinking and driving unlicensed has been locked up for over nine years. Jack Nixon, 27, from Dover, was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving while under the influence, driving without a licence, and causing serious injury to two others.
Fatal Crash Horror
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, October 9, 2022. Nixon spent the night drinking in Canterbury before offering a lift to three passengers in his Volkswagen Polo. Despite only having a provisional licence and no valid insurance or MOT, he got behind the wheel.
- He crashed into a car park payment machine but kept driving.
- Stopped at a drive-through in Whitfield and a petrol station to buy more booze.
- Less than 10 minutes after leaving the forecourt, he lost control and slammed into a railway bridge on Cornwall Road, Deal.
The smash claimed the life of a 21-year-old man from Aylesham, seriously injured one passenger, and injured another.
Police Bust and Sentence
Police arrested Nixon at the scene. A breath test revealed he had 58mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath — far above the 35mg legal limit. Tests also showed he was on cannabis, and cops found cannabis and ketamine in the car.
On November 7, Nixon was jailed for nine years and six months and banned from driving for seven years after his release.
Police Speak Out
“It is staggering to consider that after drinking alcohol during a night out, Nixon got behind the wheel of the car and even stopped to buy more alcohol during his journey before the very worst scenario happened,” said Detective Constable Kayleigh Archer.
“His actions had tragic consequences for everyone involved, including families and friends. While Nixon will now serve prison time, my thoughts are with those left to grieve.”
