Brighton man caused serious crash on A27 in West Sussex

Nathan Cole failed to see a broken-down vehicle on the A27 at Southbourne, near Bosham, and struck it at high speed in his Volkswagen van. The crash caused devastating injuries for the driver of the Peugeot, a man in his 60s from Hampshire, who was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. He was in a coma over the Christmas period and had to undergo surgery for a leg amputation as well as treatment for other critical injuries.

Cole later admitted that he had been checking social media on his phone prior to the collision on December 13, 2023. Footage from an internal dashcam suggested Cole was travelling at 72mph, which was 12mph faster than the speed limit for his vehicle. The family of the victim said his injuries and treatment are a "daily reminder of a tragedy that has reshaped every aspect of our lives".

Cole, of Denton Drive, Brighton, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing at Worthing Magistrates' Court on April 8. The 29-year-old appeared at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing on June 13, where he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison and was disqualified from driving for four years and four months. Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Sean Corbin from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This was a shocking case which has changed the life of the victim and his family forever.

"Cole admitted that he was distracted while driving. "He was extremely fortunate that he did not cause a fatal collision that day. "His reckless driving posed a both to himself and to every other road user.

"It acts as a warning to all drivers not to be driving at excess speed and not to drive while distracted.

"Even a momentary loss of awareness can have devastating consequences."

References

1. ^ Dead dog wrapped in coat is found dumped by bins in park (www.theargus.co.uk)