A reckless driver who caused a fatal head-on collision while over the legal drug limit has been sentenced to six years in prison.
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Max Anderson, 30, of Priors Acre, Boxgrove, near Chichester, was behind the wheel of a BMW when he lost control after dangerously overtaking a bus in Kennel Road, near Goodwood. His reckless maneuver resulted in a deadly crash with another vehicle, tragically leading to the death of Donald Sutherland, 68, from Bognor.
Suspect Tested Positive for Cocaine Breakdown Chemical
Following the incident, Anderson tested positive for 79 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine—a chemical breakdown product of cocaine—per litre of blood, far exceeding the legal limit of 50 microgrammes. Despite this, Anderson denied knowledge of the drugs in his system, claiming he was a careful driver and not engaging in risky behavior.
Victim Succumbed to Injuries After Five Days in Hospital
Emergency services rushed Donald Sutherland to the hospital following the crash, but after five days of treatment, he tragically passed away from his injuries. His death adds to the growing concerns over drug-related driving incidents, which remain a significant cause of fatal crashes in Sussex.
Court Hears Details of Fatal Crash
Appearing before Portsmouth Crown Court on January 24, Anderson admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that his BMW skidded to the wrong side of the road after overtaking a bus, striking a road sign and embankment before colliding with Sutherland’s vehicle.
