The victim was thrown into the front garden of a basement property by the crash
Two cousins who caused the death of a man in a fatal crash in Chatham have been jailed. Tryon Francois and David Francois attended a family social function in Lordswood on November 26, 2021 where they were seen to be drinking alcohol.
At 12.23am the following morning, they left the venue in David’s Ford Transit van. The dashcam within the vehicle caught David’s erratic driving and disagreements between the pair as to who should be behind the wheel.
After narrowly avoiding driving into a fence, David pulled over and swapped seats with Tryon. Tryon, also under the influence of drugs, continued to drive in an erratic manner as they approached Luton Road.
Travelling in excess of the 30mph speed limit the van mounted the footpath colliding with brick walls and iron fences. The victim, Jason Bale, was standing against one of these walls and was hit with such force he was thrown into the front garden of a basement property.
The van also collided with a gas main which caused a leak. Following the incident, Tyron fled the scene after begging his cousin to join him. David refused as his cats were in the back of the van and instead waited for police to arrive.
Jason Bale’s body was located by a firefighter who was assisting with an evacuation of the area due to the gas leak. Firefighters and paramedics worked hard to save him, but Jason was pronounced dead at the scene.
When approached by officers David refused to leave the area and then became violent. Forcefully pushing one officer, kicking another and causing bruising to a female officer’s arm.
Tyron, 29 of Haig Avenue, Chatham pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment. David, 49, of Barrington Gate Holbeach, Lincolnshire was found guilty of aiding and abetting death by dangerous driving and jailed for 13 years.
He has also been disqualified from driving for 17 years. Both men we sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on December 18.
Investigating officer DS Dawn Smith said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Jason’s family. While nothing can undo their loss, we hope today’s custodial sentences mark a step toward justice and brings them some measure of comfort.
“This devastating collision was caused by Tyron and David Francois’s reckless decisions on that fateful night. They chose to drive under the influence of drink and drugs and chose to continue to drive after numerous near misses.
“David’s sentence is a stark reminder that even as passenger you have a responsibility within the vehicle you are travelling in.
“Our message to all motorist and passengers, especially at this time of year, is to drive safety, taking unnecessary risks and breaking the law can cost lives.”
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