Fatal Crash Killer Sentenced to Eight Years Behind Bars
The family of David Grant-Jones, who died in a horrific crash near Bere Regis, have paid heartfelt tribute as the driver responsible was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Speeding Driver Caught After Fleeing UK Trial
Adrian Miroslaw Wojciechowski, 29, of West Mosely, Surrey, was convicted in absentia at Bournemouth Crown Court in November 2019. He caused death by dangerous driving, plus three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Wojciechowski skipped his trial and fled the country.
The deadly crash happened on the A35 Puddletown bypass on 14 July 2018. Wojciechowski’s BMW was seen speeding at over 100mph before smashing into the Land Rover driven by 49-year-old David Grant-Jones.
Tragic Loss and Damaged Lives
David died at the scene, while his wife Heather suffered serious injuries and needed hospital care. Wojciechowski and his two passengers were also hurt and taken to hospital.
Police found Wojciechowski had cannabis in his system, with three microgrammes per litre of blood – over the legal limit of two microgrammes. In December 2019, after international police coordination, he was arrested in Poland.
Justice Served Abroad
Wojciechowski will serve his sentence in Poland under the Extradition Act’s transfer of sentence process. Poland’s maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is eight years, and he will remain behind bars until March 2028.
Speaking after the sentencing, David’s family expressed deep gratitude to emergency responders, court officials, and the jury. Heather said: “Dave was a kind, loving, generous man. He was a brilliant dad to both our son Kristian and my two children Nick and Kerry, who he loved as if they were his own. I knew how lucky I was to have him in my life. Dave’s main goal in life was to make his family happy, something he achieved every single day. He was a hard-working and funny man who had a wonderful knack of cheering up any situation with his silly jokes or smiley face.”
Step-daughter Kerry Arnold added: “Dad and Mum were planning their retirement and had so much ahead of them. Dad was just 49 years old. His life was cruelly taken away, and they have been denied their happy future together. They were soul mates — each other’s world, our world. Mum’s injuries are ongoing, some of which will never heal.”
The family acknowledged they won’t get the chance to confront Wojciechowski but are comforted knowing he will serve his time and be unable to harm others. Justice finally, if late, for a shattered family.
