Driver Sentenced for Fatal Drink-Driving Collision
A 23-year-old man from Essex has been imprisoned for eight years after admitting to causing the death of his passenger by dangerous and drink-driving.
Sharuyan Sasikumar was driving a Toyota CH-R at high speed on High Street in Knutton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on 25 September last year when he lost control of the vehicle.
The car collided with a lamppost and railings. While Sasikumar survived, his rear-seat passenger, 32-year-old Shejuti Pasha, sustained serious injuries and later died in hospital.
Excessive Speed and Alcohol Readings
An investigation by Staffordshire Police's serious collision investigation unit revealed the car was travelling at around 82 miles per hour moments before the impact.
Further tests showed that Sasikumar had a breath alcohol reading of 59 micrograms per 100 millilitres. The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms.
Sergeant Rich Moors from the unit stated: "This was a totally avoidable collision if Sasikumar had just obeyed the law, driven within the speed limit and not driven under the influence of alcohol."
Court Sentencing and Lasting Impact
At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday, 26 November, Sasikumar, of Dagenham, Essex, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty.
In addition to his eight-year prison term, he was disqualified from driving for 11 years and four months and will be required to take an extended retest.
Sergeant Moors added: "Sadly, his decisions on that night led to the death of an innocent passenger in his car. I hope this case reminds people of the dangers of irresponsible driving and our thoughts remain with Shejuti’s friends and family at this difficult time."
