Telford drug-driver died twice after crash
A driver died twice after crashing his car into a parked van while driving under the influence of drugs – but lived to tell the tale, a court has heard.
Jason Corbett had to be revived after suffering major injuries following a crash on Brookside Avenue in Telford.
Corbett had lost control of his car and crashed into a parked van at midnight on March 9. He died twice on the way to hospital, was in an induced coma for a week and spent a total of 11 weeks undergoing 10 operations.
The 24-year-old, of Wheeldale Close in Doseley, admitted driving while under the influence of drugs, without due care and attention and without insurance at Telford Magistrates Court yesterday.
He was fined more than £600 and banned from driving for 17 months.
The court was told Corbett suffered serious arm and chest injuries and a broken leg.
Mr Mike Phillips, prosecuting, said: "A blood sample taken at hospital showed there were traces of cocaine, morphine, Tramadol and midazolam. The defendant was overtaking a vehicle and swerved into the van."
Mr Oliver Nicklaus, for Corbett, said: "No one else was injured, other than the passenger who suffered a slight cut to the head.
"He (Corbett) was in an induced coma for a week and on the way to the hospital, he died twice."
He said tests showed that it was likely the morphine, Tramadol and midazolam were in his system after being treated at the scene.
He added: "My client accepts that in the past he has used cocaine but there was a small amount in his system; 0.04 miligrammes per litre."
Corbett was fined £240 for driving while under the influence of drugs a further £160 for driving without due care and attention, and £240 for driving without insurance.
He was also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £64 victim surcharge.
