Wisbech man jailed after fatal five-vehicle crash
The 23-year-old has also been banned from driving for two years.
A man has been jailed after causing a five-vehicle collision which killed one man and seriously injured another.
James Porter, aged 23 and of Church Drove, Wisbech appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday 9 October 2024 having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving, at an earlier hearing. He has been jailed for 30 weeks. He was also disqualified from driving for two years.
The court heard how Porter had been travelling on the A1122, on 18 January 2023, in a blue Vauxhall Nova when he drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic and into the path of an HGV. The two vehicles collided, causing the HGV to veer offside into oncoming traffic. A BMW was clipped by some debris and a VW Passat was briefly hit by the lorry before it struck an Iveco flatbed truck head on, killing the driver, 37-year-old Marcin Zablonty, instantly. The driver of the HGV also suffered a fractured skull which has left him with irreparable nerve damage.
In the lead up to the collision, Porter was recorded by a dashcam clapping both of his hands together. He was also seen to be looking into his lap, leaning towards his passenger seat and on occasion, drifting into the opposite lane of traffic.
In a victim personal statement, the driver of the HGV said: “The crash really knocked my self-confidence and mentality. When I was fit enough, I returned to lorry driving but found that I was really affected by the collision psychologically. I was worried that something else would happen whilst I was driving, and I had two small children at home to get back to.”
On Wednesday 9 October 2024 Porter was sentenced to 30 weeks in prison and disqualified from driving for two years.
Speaking after the sentencing, serious collision investigator, Andy Hughes added: “Porter demonstrated a repeated failure to maintain control of his vehicle in the period leading to the collision.
“Porter's actions resulted in one man losing his life and another sustaining life changing injuries. The wider impact of this collision on their families cannot be described, it has left them all devastated but they remain dignified as they cope with consequences of his driving.
“This case serves to remind all drivers, dashcam is a powerful tool in police investigations. Together with the statements of the other drivers who came forward, we were able to present a strong case against Porter. Poor driving will be captured and we will continue act in a positive manner to ensure the people of Norfolk can use the roads safely.”
In a previous tribute, Marcin's family said: “We recently lost our beloved Marcin. He was the most amazing person, father, son, brother, and friend. Our family will always remember his fantastic humour and kind soul. He will be forever missed as he was an important part of many people’s lives, he was loved by many and we will always cherish the time and memories we shared.”