A YOUNG man was killed after a motorcyclist crashed into a lamppost whilst drunk and on drugs.
Joel Vinten, 27, was the passenger on a black Yamaha motorbike when it crashed on the A269 Ninfield Road, Bexhill at around 10.30pm on March 12, 2020.
The rider, Jack Stockdale, now 28, was travelling over the speed limit when he lost control of the bike and left the road.
Stockdale was taken to hospital with serious injuries and blood tests found he was still over the legal limits for alcohol and drugs six hours after the incident.
Joel, from Bexhill, was airlifted to hospital but died four days later.
Stockdale has now been jailed for causing death by careless driving while over the limits of alcohol and drugs and while uninsured and unlicensed.
Following Joel’s death, his mother Donna, speaking on behalf of his family, said: "Joel was a much-loved son and brother.
“We are all deeply distressed by this terrible news, as are his many friends, and we are extremely grateful for all the support we have received."
CCTV from earlier in the evening confirmed Stockdale, of Paradise Walk in Bexhill, had been drinking at a pub in Sidley, although not with Joel.
Witnesses to the crash reported seeing the motorbike being driven at excess speed into a 30mph bend before it left the road.
As well as the six-year custodial sentence, Stockdale was also banned from driving for seven years and must take an extended retest should he wish to reapply for a licence.
While passing sentence to Stockdale, Her Honour Judge Laing QC said: “You were ten times over the limit of cocaine and well over the drink drive limit.
“You were aware of the effect the drink and drugs were having on you and you were told by the landlord of the pub that you had had enough and it was time to leave.
“It is unbelievable that ten minutes or so later you were riding a motorbike with a pillion passenger.
‘‘The lives of those who loved him have changed forever.
“This case is yet again a powerful reminder of the responsibility of a driver when they take control of a vehicle.’’
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