Drug-Driving Disaster: Steve Agar Jailed for Fatal Droxford Smash
A drug-fuelled driver has been slammed behind bars for three and a half years after his reckless actions caused a tragic death in Droxford.
Careless Overtake Ends in Tragedy
Steven Agar, 37, of Gosport, admitted causing death by careless driving while over the legal limit of cannabis at Portsmouth Crown Court.
On August 23, Agar was speeding along the A32 Wickham Road at 5pm in his Audi A4. Having already overtaken one vehicle, he recklessly attempted a second overtake heading into a bend.
Though narrowly avoiding a head-on collision with one car, he lost control, veered across the road, and smashed into a Mazda carrying three passengers.
Victim Dies, Others Injured
- Gena Close, 56, a backseat passenger in the Mazda, was critically injured and later died in hospital.
- The Mazda’s driver, aged 77, and front passenger, 57, were also hurt and hospitalised.
- Agar escaped without injury.
Witnesses slammed Agar’s speeding Audi as “way too fast” and “stupid and dangerous.”
Cannabis Levels Over Legal Limit
Tests showed Agar had 2.3 micrograms of THC (cannabis) in his blood — the legal limit is 2.0 micrograms.
The judge blasted Agar today, sentencing him to three years and six months behind bars plus a five-year driving ban, saying the drug “played a critical role” in the fatal crash.
PC Dave Mitchell, Road Safety Officer, said: “There was absolutely no need for Agar to overtake. He was simply impatient, and his stupidity cost Gena Close her life, devastating her family.”
“He ignored warnings about cannabis and driving. This drug distorts perception of space and time, which is exactly what happened here.
“Agar tried a dangerous overtake on a bend—there wasn’t enough space or time to do it safely.
“If he hadn’t taken cannabis or driven so recklessly, this fatal crash would never have happened.”
