Essex man jailed after causing a fatal crash in Suffolk
He was found to be twice over the drink drive limit at the time
Last updated 24th May 2022
An Essex man's been jailed after admitting to causing a fatal crash in a Suffolk village back in October 2020.
43 year-old Robert Lowe of Peregrine Close in Clacton was found to be twice over the drink drive limit and on the wrong side of the road when he collided head on with Jennifer Baker's car on Norwich Road in Barham.
Miss Baker died at the scene and a passenger in her vehicle was left with serious injuries.
Lowe pleaded guilty to causing the death while driving under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison.
He's also been disqualified from driving for six years and 10 months.
Prior to the crash CCTV showed that he had drunk at both the Greyhound Pub in Claydon and the Sorrel Horse in Barham, as well as having purchased alcohol from a shop in the afternoon.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector David McCormack, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This is a tragic incident in which a young woman has lost her life because of a completely preventable collision.
“This was wholly avoidable. The message is clear, do not drink and drive.
“The consequences for victims and their families and friends are horrific.
“Mr Lowe will have to live the rest of his life in the knowledge he has taken the life of young woman with everything ahead of her, and aware of the pain this has caused so many other people.
“I implore anyone who thinks it is okay to have a drink and then drive, please think of the potential consequences, it’s simply not worth the risk.
“If caught drink driving you could lose your license and receive a criminal record. At worst driving while under the influence of alcohol can and does lead to serious collisions, leading to life-changing injuries, and in this case, tragic, avoidable deaths.
“Please remember the fatal four and make sure you don’t drink or take drugs and drive, never use your mobile phone while driving, and always ensure you and all your passengers wear a seatbelt.”