Lancashire drug driver who left passenger to die following crash jailed
The passenger died on Christmas Eve after suffering serious injuries
Last updated 4th Aug 2021
A drug-driver who crashed his car at speed and fled the scene, leaving his front seat passenger with serious injuries which he later died from, has been jailed for five years.
Emergency services were called to Preston Road, Grimsargh at 6am on November 24 2018, after an Audi A3 S Line being driven by defendant Sean Harrison Dowbekin had left the carriageway, overturned and collided with a lamppost.
The passenger, 23-year-old Jake Beatty from Longridge, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital. Jake sadly died with his family at his bedside on Christmas Eve, 2018.
Dowbekin was arrested at 9.40am on November 24 in Mersey Street, Longridge, folloiwng information received by the public. He was found to be more than seven times over the limit for drugs (Benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine).
Dowbekin, 27, of Preston Road, Ribchester, appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday (August 3) where he was convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the prescribed limit of drugs.
As well as being given the custodial sentence, Dowbekin was given a 5 year driving ban which will start when he is released from custody.
Insp Andy Trotter, of Lancashire Police’s Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said: "This collision resulted in the death of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him. My thoughts remain with Jake’s family at this time.
"Dowbekin’s behaviour on that day was selfish & shameful, choosing to leave Jake seriously injured rather than face the consequences."