Speeding driver jailed for killing passenger in Hockley

A speeding driver who lost control of his car and killed his passenger has been jailed for 34 months.

Matthew Clarke was driving to work along Church Road in Hockley, Essex, on 29 October 2021.

Southend Crown Court heard he was travelling at 67mph, which was too fast to obey the give way sign.

Clarke, 32, of Springfield, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Andrew Basford by dangerous driving.

Church Road has the national speed limit, which means Clarke was driving at seven mph over the limit as he approached the junction with Lower Road.

Despite trying to brake at the last minute, he lost control of his Mazda 3 car and shot across the T-junction, colliding with a bungalow that was being renovated.

The car's passenger, Andrew Basford, 54 and from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, died from his injuries at the scene.

Essex Police said Mr Basford left behind "a loving partner, Kerry, and was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather".

Clarke survived, sustaining life-changing injuries, which included a serious head injury.

He was sentenced to 34 months in jail at Southend Crown Court on Friday. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and will not be allowed to drive until he completes an extended test.

Det Sgt Alex Black, a roads policing officer who led the investigation, said: "My thoughts are with Andrew's family.

"I hope today gives them the closure they need to move on with their lives."

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