Drug driver from Mablethorpe jailed after head-on crash on A52 near Bingham

Frazer Hallett, 34, of Wellington Road, Mablethorpe, was driving a Vauxhall Movano van in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, on the A52 at Saxondale near Bingham, when he left his lane and collided head-on with a Honda Jazz.

The collision left the 66-year-old passenger with serious injuries including a fractured femur, fractured tibia, broken ribs and a ruptured spleen. The 69-year-old driver suffered a fractured arm, fractured collarbone and broken ribs.

Hallett immediately admitted being at fault for the collision, blaming tiredness. However, tests showed a number of drugs in his system and he admitted taking heroin and methadone on the day of the collision.

Officers investigating the collision subsequently carried out a search on Hallett’s home and he was found to be cultivating a large number of cannabis plants. A total of 91 cannabis plants were recovered, as well as scales, fans, light units and water pumps. The electricity meter had also been bypassed.

The total value of the cannabis plants, depending on how they are cut and distributed, was estimated at between £23,000 and £70,000.

Hallett appeared at Nottingham Crown Court today and admitted:

* Two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving

* One charge of cultivation of cannabis

* Abstracting electricity

* Failing to supply a blood sample

* Driving whilst unfit through drugs

Hallett was sentenced to three years in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and 18 months in prison for the cultivation of cannabis, to run consecutively.

He was also sentenced to six months for abstracting electricity, five months for failing to supply a blood sample and six months for driving whilst unfit through drugs, to be served concurrently.

Det Sgt James Greely said: “The collision has had a devastating impact on both the driver and passenger of the Honda Jazz, with both still feeling the effects to this day.

“This incident shows the dangers and terrible consequences of driving whilst unfit through drugs and ignoring signs that you are too tired to drive. Hallett showed remorse for his actions but he should never have got behind the wheel as he was in no fit state.”