Jail for driver high on drink and drugs who drove at 100mph before killing friend in crash

A dangerous driver high on drink and cocaine has been jailed for killing his friend when he crashed his car into a tree on a night out.

Jake Blease, 25, was a passenger in the Ford Fiesta when it hit the tree at Cressing near Braintree in Essex in September 2021.

He died at the scene of the crash.

His friend Kane Gornall, 27, admitted dangerous driving and has been jailed for four years and eight months.

The court heard Gornall had picked up Jake and another passenger in Witham and they were on their way to collect Gornall's girlfriend in Braintree.

Police said they were in the car for just three minutes before the fatal crash took place.

PC Alan Marks, said: "In that short time two families’ lives changed forever."

Following the sentencing, Jake’s mother, Cheryl Marshall said: “When I heard the sentence, I was disappointed as I don’t think it reflected the gravity of what had happened and Gornall’s blatant disregard for the laws of the road and safety of his passengers. 

“Jake had his whole life in front of him until it was cruelly snatched away from him on that night.  I will never get to see him get married, have children of his own or grow old."

When police arrived at the scene of the crash Gornall was tested for drink and drugs and was over the limit for both. 

Police investigations showed he had also been speeding.

PC Marks said: “Our investigation showed the car had been travelling in excess of 100mph in the run up to the collision, twice the speed limit for the road.

“The combination of excessive speed and impaired reactions meant that Kane Gornall lost control of the car. Something that was completely avoidable."

In 2021, Jake’s family paid tribute to him saying: “Jake loved life and lived it to the fullest, he had a cheeky smile and a laugh no-one could ever forget.

“He was adored by his two little sisters and loved by everyone. He was a great son, stepson, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

“He touched so many people’s lives and was blessed to have such a wide range of friends, none of whom will ever forget his kindness or his infectious personality.”

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