Uninsured drunk-driver jailed for causing death of passenger near Henfield
Markus Phillips was over the legal alcohol limit when he crashed into a tree
An uninsured drunk-driver has been jailed for causing the death of his passenger in a single-vehicle collision near Henfield.
It is believed Markus Phillips was speeding along the A2037 when he crashed into a tree on May 29, 2021.
His friend, 24-year-old Patrick Calum O’Sullivan, from the Broadbridge Heath area, was instantly killed.
Phillips, now known as Marcus Saunders, left the scene and was later treated at A&E for injuries.
The 22-year-old, of Mannings Heath, was found with almost twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood.
For the offence of causing death by careless driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit he was sentenced to five years and one month in prison.
He was ordered to serve half of this sentence in custody and the remainder will be spent on licence subject to conditions.
Phillips also admitted the charge of causing death while uninsured, and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, which will be served concurrently, as part of the overall sentence of five years and one month.
Detective Sergeant Rob Baldwin from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This case is another tragic reminder the danger of drinking alcohol and driving.
“It remains one of the main factors of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“In this case, a young man lost his life and a family have to deal with the devastating aftermath of this incident.
“Meanwhile Phillips is very lucky to have escaped with his own life, and will be left instead having to rue the consequences of his actions.
“This was an entirely preventable and avoidable incident that has caused pain and heartache.
"This should be a warning to everyone not to drink alcohol and drive, and also not to get into a car as a passenger with a driver who has been drinking.”