Drink driver jailed for causing three-car crash

Brandon Barker, 26, has been jailed after causing a crash on the A15 in July 2024

A drink driver who was almost twice the legal limit when he caused a three-car crash that left a motorist seriously injured has been jailed for two and a half years.

Brandon Barker, 26, lost control of his van after he clipped another car as he tried to overtake a lorry on a blind sweeping bend on the A15 near Hackthorn, Lincolnshire, in July 2024.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Barker, of Wolsey Way, Lincoln, remained on the wrong side of the road before colliding head-on with a Mini leaving the 22-year-old driver with "catastrophic injuries".

Barker, who admitted a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, has also been banned from driving for 39 months.

Two other cars were also forced off the road during the crash, which happened at about 06:30 BST on 2 July, the court heard.

Judge James House KC was told the 22-year-old driver required two operations afer suffering multiple fractures and bruising to his brain.

'Decent young man'

When interviewed by police, Barker accepted he had been drinking the night before the collision but said his driving had not been impaired, the court heard.

A toxicology report concluded he was at least nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the crash and an investigation found he had also sent a text message while driving, the judge was told.

In mitigation, Neil Sands described Barker as a "decent young man" who had no previous convictions.

Passing sentence, Judge House told the defendant he had no doubt his judgement had been impaired by alcohol.

"You knew you were late for work, you had sent a text to that effect," the judge added.

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