Drug driver jailed for killing Dad of four from Thirsk
The victim's family have described him as a "wonderful Daddy, a loving husband, treasured son and brother."
Last updated 7th May 2021
A driver who killed a father of four in a head on collision, while under the influence of drugs, has been jailed.
36-year-old George Thompson was driving on the wrong side of the road after overtaking another vehicle at Leeming Bar on the A6055.
He hit a car being driven by Richard Blain, 37, a military serviceman and father of four, who lived near Thirsk.
Mr Blain's passengers, an adult and three children, suffered serious injuries including broken bones.
"A wonderful Daddy, a loving husband"
Mr Blain’s family today described him as a devoted family man who will be deeply missed.
They said: "Richard was a wonderful Daddy, a loving husband, treasured son and brother. His loss to his family, friends and colleagues will always be felt deeply and his memory will cherished dearly by all."
Traffic Constable Gemma Brett of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit, said after the sentencing: "This devastating collision has had horrendous consequences for so many innocent people.
"My deepest condolences go out to Mr Blain’s family, who have had their lives shattered by the staggering selfishness of George Thompson.
"Driving with illegal drugs in your system is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. Sadly, we see the consequences all too often – they are irreversible and they ruin lives."
Thompson tried to blame his victim
George Thompson, of Sprotbrough near Doncaster, was driving a white Ford Transit van with four passengers. Nobody in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt.
Thompson failed a police drugs test, which showed he had illegal levels of cannabis in his system.
During interviews, he initially tried to blame his victim for the collision. But he was charged with causing Mr Blain’s death by careless driving while being over the prescribed limit for illegal drugs. He pleaded guilty at court.
The case was heard through Teesside Crown Court, sitting at York Crown Court today.
As well as sentencing Thompson to three years six months in prison, a judge also banned him from driving for four years, nine months on his release and ordered he will have to take an extended retest.