Man convicted of causing death by careless driving in Reading
Joshua Julian was high on cannabis when he collided with a cyclist
A man has been convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the specific limit of drugs in Reading.
Joshua Julian, aged 29, of Skinner Drive, Wokingham, was found guilty by a majority jury verdict of the offence following a trial lasting six days at Reading Crown Court.
Julian was acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving.
The incident
At about 7.15pm on 10 June 2020, the victim, 35-year-old Tomasz Krohne was working for a food delivery company when he was cycling down Alexandra Road, Reading towards Addington Road.
Meanwhile, Julian had just finished a 12-hour work shift and started to drive home in his Hyundai.
Julian turned left onto Addington Road and started driving towards Alexandra Road.
CCTV cameras close to the junction with Alexandra Road captured Julian driving at approximately 44mph in a 20mph zone.
As Mr Krohne cycled across the junction, Julian’s vehicle collided with Mr Krohne.
Tragically, despite medical efforts by the public and emergency services, Mr Krohne died at the scene.
Julian passed a breath test for alcohol, but tested positive for cannabis and was arrested.
A later blood sample was taken and analysed, giving a result of 4.9ug/100ml of blood, with the legal limit being 2.0ug/100ml of blood.
On 15 July 2021, Julian pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates’ Court of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the specified limit of drugs, and he was subsequently charged with causing Mr Krohne’s death by careless driving while of the specified limit of drugs on 4 August 2021.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Joy Jarvis, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“It has been a long journey for all parties involved and we are satisfied that Joshua Julian has been convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the specific limit of drugs
“We hope that this outcome sends a strong message to drivers. It is simply unacceptable to smoke cannabis and then get behind the wheel of a car.
“As has been demonstrated in this tragic case, taking drugs and driving can have devastating consequences.
“I hope that this conviction will bring some closure to Tomasz Krohne’s family and friends, and our thoughts remain with them.”
Julian has been released on bail to return to Reading Crown Court for sentencing on 30 June.