Driver drank eight pints before causing teen's death

Drink-driver Daniel Johnsen had spent eight hours in a pub and could barely walk, police say

Police have issued a "stark warning" to motorists after a drink-driver spent eight hours in a pub before causing the death of a 19-year-old.

Daniel Johnsen, 34, of Ashtree Close, Immingham, drank in excess of eight pints of beer before getting behind the wheel of his van, according to Humberside Police.

He mounted a pavement and drove into Lewis Tuson, who died the following day from his injuries.

Senior investigating officer Insp John Rickells said Johnsen, who could “barely walk”, had “made the most selfish decision possible”.

Johnsen pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving while over the limit.

He also pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit in relation to an incident three days before and was also awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to failing to provide a specimen in connection with an incident in December 2022.

He was sentenced for all the offences and jailed for nine years and four months at Grimsby Crown Court on Tuesday 5 March.

'My wingman has gone'

Mr Tuson’s mother, Gemma Tasker, said "no sentence will ever really be justice”.

“He was my absolute everything, my only son and my best friend.

“We did everything together and now my wingman has gone. Nothing that happens in court will ever replace Lewis.”

Police say Tuson was walking to meet his girlfriend from a bus stop when Johnsen struck him from behind on Tuesday 30 January. This was on the B1210 Habrough Road, Immingham, between the junctions of Brocklesby Avenue and Calder Close.

Lewis Tuson died of his injuries after being hit by Daniel Johnsen on the B1210 Habrough Road in Immingham

Insp Rickells added: “This is a truly sad case where a young man has needlessly lost his life.

“Although Johnsen did not go out that day intending to kill Lewis, he consumed excessive alcohol, to the point that he could barely walk in a straight line, before making the most selfish decision possible - to get behind the wheel of his van knowing he was drunk.

“This decision cost Lewis his life and caused immeasurable loss and pain to Lewis’s family, who our thoughts remain with at this traumatic time.

“I hope this sentence serves as a stark warning to anyone who thinks that it is acceptable to drink-drive. If you do, you are putting lives at risk and we will do everything we can to put you before the courts.”

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