Norfolk drink driver jailed following fatal crash
A drink driver has been jailed after his car veered into the opposite lane of traffic and killed a 40-year-old man.
Lee Peartree, age 34, of Appletree Lane, Diss, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today (Thursday 29 February 2024) and was jailed for nine years.
He was also disqualified from driving for 11 years and told he must take an extended retest before he can drive again.
Peartree pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis at an earlier hearing.
The court heard how Peartree had been driving a silver Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck on the A143 towards Diss, shortly after 8pm on Sunday 1 October 2023 when his car veered into the path 40-year-old Jonathan Nyashanu, causing a head-on collision. Jonathan had been driving a black Ford S-Max, travelling towards Great Yarmouth, accompanied by two passengers.
Despite attempts to save his life, sadly, Jonathan died at the scene. His two passengers, a woman in her 20s and another woman in her 30s both suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment.
Several witnesses described Peartree’s driving prior to the collision as ‘erratic’. He had been seen swerving from side-to-side, crossing into the other side of the road and bouncing off of the verges along the road.
Peartree had tried to leave the scene immediately following the collision but was stopped by members of the public until officers arrived.
Several empty bottles of alcohol were found in his vehicle as well as 4.98 grams of cannabis. Peartree provided a roadside breath test which returned a result of 120 micrograms of alcohol, over three times the legal limit (35 micrograms). He was also later found to have cannabis in his system.
Peartree was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury, requiring surgery and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, drink driving, drug driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of a class B drug. He was taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving, two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of a class B drug, namely cannabis. He was remanded in custody.
Today (Thursday 29 February 2024) Peartree was sentenced to nine years in prison and disqualified from driving for 11 years.
The family of the victim have released the following tribute: “Jonathan Nyashanu was born on the 13th of March 1983 and sadly passed away on the 1st of October 2023 following a collision on the A143 along Bungay.
“Jonathan was a man who embodied the essence of grace, love and resilience. He was a source of comfort and strength to all who were fortunate to know him. Jonathan’s life was cut short and he was taken too soon.
“Jonathan will be lovingly remembered by his wife Kudzanai, his four children Bradley, Brandon, Whitney and baby Bryan, his two sisters Emma and Beauty. Jonathan was a family man full of love and laughter, he was ever smiling, caring and above all he had a heart of gold. We are reminded of the enduring impact of his love and the profound legacy he leaves behind. Jonathan will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to the paramedics, air ambulance team and police for trying to save our brother's life as well as the witness who stayed with our beloved brother until help arrived. Thank you to our family liaison PC Phil, alongside Chris, for your support and patience during this difficult time.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Chris Warner Serious Collision Investigator, said: "This tragic incident was the consequence of one individual’s selfish actions.
“Four children have lost their father as a result of Peartree’s choice to drink and get behind the wheel. He has caused devastation and heartbreak for so many people.
“I hope Jonathan’s family and the passengers injured by Peartree can find some level of comfort from the fact that Peartree will be unable to hurt anyone else in the near future.
“I would also like to thank those members of the public who, when on the night in question suddenly found themselves confronted with this collision, stopped and assisted those involved and ensured Peartree remained at the scene.
Their continued assistance throughout the investigation was greatly appreciated and assisted all involved in reaching this point.”