Drink driver travelling at 90mph in 30 zone jailed for causing death of friend in Sandwell
Cory Sewell, 25, has been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving after causing a collision in Sandwell.
Last updated 17th Jun 2024
A drink driver has been jailed for causing the death of his friend in a collision in Sandwell last year.
Cory Sewell, 25, of Barr Street in Birmingham, crashed into a lamppost on Penncricket Lane, Rowley Regis, on 29 April 2023.
One of his passengers, Hamse Ismali, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was later revealed Sewell had been travelling between 83mph and 92mph in a 30 zones just before the collision.
CCTV shows the car momentarily airborne before landing and losing control, mounting the footpath, and colliding with the lamppost.
Two other men in the vehicle were also injured. One suffered minor injuries whereas the other suffered an injury to his arm.
"I've just seen my friend die because of me."
Following the collision, Sewell initially refused assessment for his injuries and admitted to officers ‘I’ve just seen my friend die because of me’.
He was found to be over the legal alcohol limit for driving and was arrested.
Sewell pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Det Sgt Julie Lyman, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Sewell had total disregard for his and his friends’ safety and made the decision to get behind the wheel despite being over the legal alcohol limit.
“He drove dangerously, flouting the speed limit and his decision ultimately cost Hamse’s life – a tragic incident that could have easily been prevented.
“My thoughts are with Hamse’s loved ones and I hope the sentence offers a sense of closure.”
The West Midlands Police is backing the #NotComingHome campaign, which is urging people not to drink and drive after watching the football this Euros tournament.
A statement on the force's website said: "Getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to arrest, prosecution, driving bans, prison time, and even job loss. Most importantly, it puts yourself and other road users at risk of serious injury or death."