Outwell man James Porter jailed after causing five-vehicle crash on A1122 at Downham Market which killed Marcin Zablotny
A man has been jailed for 30 weeks after causing a five-vehicle crash in Downham Market[1] which killed one man and seriously injured another.
James Porter, 23, of Church Drove, Outwell, had been travelling on the A1122 on January 18, 2023 in a blue Vauxhall Nova when he drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic and into the path of a lorry.
The two vehicles collided, causing the HGV to veer offside into oncoming traffic.
Marcin Zablotny was killed in the collision. Picture: Norfolk Police
A BMW was clipped by some debris and a VW Passat was briefly hit by the lorry before it struck an Iveco flatbed truck head-on, killing the driver 37-year-old Marcin Zablonty, instantly.
The driver of the HGV also suffered a fractured skull which has left him with irreparable nerve damage.
In the lead-up to the crash, Porter was recorded by a dashcam clapping both of his hands together.
A1122 at Downham Market. Picture: Google Maps
He was also seen to be looking into his lap, leaning towards his passenger seat and on occasion, drifting into the opposite lane of traffic.
Porter appeared at Norwich Crown Court on Wednesday, October 9, having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving at an earlier hearing.
He was jailed for 30 weeks and was also banned from driving for two years.
In a victim personal statement, the driver of the HGV said: “The crash really knocked my self-confidence and mentality.
“When I was fit enough, I returned to lorry driving but found that I was really affected by the collision psychologically. I was worried that something else would happen whilst I was driving, and I had two small children at home to get back to.”
Speaking after the sentencing, serious collision investigator Andy Hughes said: “Porter demonstrated a repeated failure to maintain control of his vehicle in the period leading to the collision.
“Porter’s actions resulted in one man losing his life and another sustaining life-changing injuries.
“The wider impact of this collision on their families cannot be described, it has left them all devastated but they remain dignified as they cope with the consequences of his driving.
“This case serves to remind all drivers, dashcam is a powerful tool in police investigations.
“Together with the statements of the other drivers who came forward, we were able to present a strong case against Porter.
“Poor driving will be captured and we will continue to act in a positive manner to ensure the people of Norfolk can use the roads safely.”
In a previous tribute[2], Marcin’s family said: “We recently lost our beloved Marcin. He was the most amazing person, father, son, brother, and friend.
“Our family will always remember his fantastic humour and kind soul.
“He will be forever missed as he was an important part of many people’s lives, he was loved by many and we will always cherish the time and memories we shared.”
References
- ^ five-vehicle crash in Downham Market (www.lynnnews.co.uk)
- ^ In a previous tribute (www.lynnnews.co.uk)