Drug driver who killed 'wonderful' dad-of-four is jailed
A drug driver who killed a father-of-four in a horror crash when he drove on the wrong side of the road has been jailed.
George Thompson, 36, tried to blame victim Richard Blain, 37, for the crash which also left his four passengers with broken bones.
But Thompson failed a drug test which showed he had illegal levels of cannabis in his system when he smashed his white Ford Transit on 19 September 2019.
He admitted causing Mr Blain’s death by careless driving while being over the prescribed limit for illegal drugs and was jailed for three years and six months on Friday.
The case was heard through Teesside Crown Court, sitting at York Crown Court.
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Thompson had left a McDonald’s at Leeming Bar in North Yorkshire and overtook a vehicle in front of him.
He then failed to return to his side of the carriageway and continued driving on the wrong side of the road.
Thompson crashed into ex-serviceman Mr Blain’s oncoming vehicle, which left him with "extremely serious injuries".
The former soldier was rushed to James Cook Hospital but died later that evening.
North Yorkshire Police confirmed none of Thompson’s passengers - three children and an adult - were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
During interviews, Thompson initially tried to blame his victim for the collision.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Blain’s family described him as a "wonderful daddy" who will be deeply missed.
They said: “Richard was a wonderful daddy, a loving husband, treasured son and brother.
“His loss to his family, friends and colleagues will always be felt deeply and his memory will cherished dearly by all.”
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Traffic Constable Gemma Brett of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Unit, added after the sentencing: “This devastating collision has had horrendous consequences for so many innocent people.
“My deepest condolences go out to Mr Blain’s family, who have had their lives shattered by the staggering selfishness of George Thompson.
“Driving with illegal drugs in your system is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. Sadly, we see the consequences all too often – they are irreversible and they ruin lives.”
Thompson was also banned from driving for four years, nine months on his release, and ordered to take an extended retest.
