Bexhill man jailed for fatal drink and drug-drive crash
Jack Stockdale has been sentenced to six years in prison
A motorcyclist from Bexhill who caused the death of his passenger while driving under the influence has been jailed for six years.
Jack Stockdale, now 28, of Paradise Walk, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while over the limits of alcohol and drugs and while uninsured and unlicensed.
Stockdale's black Yamaha motorbike hit a lamppost on the A269 Ninfield Road in Bexhill back in March 2020.
His passenger, 27-year-old Joel Vinten from Bexhill, was airlifted to hospital but died four days later.
Witnesses reported seeing the motorbike being driven at excess speed into a 30mph bend, causing it to lose control and leave the road.
Stockdale was also taken to hospital with serious injuries and blood tests found he was over the legal limits for alcohol and drugs six hours after the crash.
While passing sentence to Stockdale, Her Honour Judge Laing QC said: “You were ten times over the limit of cocaine and well over the drink drive limit. You were aware of the effect the drink and drugs was having on you and you were told by the landlord of the pub that you had had enough and it was time to leave.
“It is unbelievable that ten minutes or so later you were riding a motorbike with a pillion passenger.
‘‘The lives of those who loved him have changed forever. This case is yet again a powerful reminder of the responsibility of a driver when they take control of a vehicle.’’
Stockdale was also banned from driving for seven years and must take an extended retest when reapplying for a licence.
Following Joel’s death, his mother Donna, speaking on behalf of his family, paid the following tribute: "Joel was a much-loved son and brother. We are all deeply distressed by this terrible news, as are his many friends, and we are extremely grateful for all the support we have received."