Harrowing CCTV shows final moments of dad before ‘disgusting’ decision killed teen son

CCTV footage has unveiled the chilling moments ahead of a tragic M6 collision in which a father under the influence of cocaine caused the death of his 14 year old son[1]. Daniel Burba, 31, was captured on camera driving a Peugeot Bipper van erratically before veering off the southbound carriageway near Lancaster[2] on April 20. The van went up a grass embankment between junctions 34 and 33, collided with a tree and rolled over.

His son, Ryan, who was seated in the front passenger seat, tragically died at the scene from head injuries. Prior to the fatal crash, Burba's van was seen swerving across lanes with hazard lights flashing, travelling significantly above the 70mph speed limit. Investigators have reported that Burba suffered an epileptic fit just before the collision - a condition he had been explicitly warned made him unfit to drive.

This was 'aggravated by his use of cocaine', according to police. Get all the latest and breaking news in Yorkshire by signing up to our newsletter here.[3] Toxicology tests revealed Burba was four times over the legal limit for cocaine and its derivative benzoylecgonine.

He also had traces of amphetamine in his system, reports the Manchester Evening News[4]. Following his 10-year prison sentence yesterday (August 5), CCTV footage has now been released showing the moment Burba entered a petrol station just before causing his son's death through dangerous driving. Distressing images have also been released depicting the devastating aftermath of the motorway crash.

Lancashire Police have stated that Burba should never have been allowed to drive, as he only possessed a provisional licence, lacked insurance, and had been advised against driving due to his deteriorating epilepsy, which was worsened by illicit drug use.

Tragically, Ryan was declared dead at the scene, with a Home Office Post Mortem confirming that head injuries were the cause of death. Ryan's mother expressed her heartbreak in a statement to the court, saying: "My heart is broken and I don't see it healing." She admitted to not having grieved fully, fearing that if she let herself go, she might never stop, so she tries to stay strong for her two daughters despite struggling every day.

She added: "I feel that no amount of time Daniel will serve will ever be enough for taking Ryan's life. Not only did he take my boy's life, he took my boy's future."

Her son would never have the chance to grow up, become a father, work, chase his dreams, or even complete his education, she lamented. "He hasn't ever had a chance to experience life. It's so unfair because Ryan did have a beautiful heart.

He wanted to be a policeman." She believed her son could have changed the world, as he brightened it during his short time, always making people smile with his radiant presence. "Daniel has taken all that and more.

Daniel has taken a precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, friend and cousin. He had so much to live for. The fact that Daniel knew he wasn't allowed to drive due to his seizures, plus a lack of licence and insurance is just disgusting."

'He will have the rest of his life to reflect'. Following the collision, Burba was hospitalised and subsequently arrested a week later upon discharge.

The 31 year old, from Morecambe, faced charges including causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving unlicensed, causing death by uninsured driving, and drug driving. In Preston Crown Court, he received a 10-year prison sentence and a driving ban for 14 years and five months.

Additionally, he was instructed that he must pass an extended re-test should he wish to drive in the future. Sgt Martin Wilcock, Senior Investigating Officer at our Road Policing Unit, commented: "No sentence will ever makeup for any loss of life, particularly in these tragic circumstances. "However, Daniel Burba will have the rest of his life to reflect upon the catastrophic consequences his decision to consume drugs and then get behind the wheel have had.

Sadly, his son will not. "I hope the outcome of this case sends a strong message out to anyone who is considering driving, having been told by a doctor not to. Or anyone who is considering driving, having consumed drugs or alcohol.

"As is so very obvious from this case, you run the risk of taking a life but also ruining many others - including your own."

He further stated: "This was a major incident that resulted in the closure of the motorway for a significant period of time.

We know there was some frustration at the time, but we hope the public understand that the carriageway needed to be closed to facilitate the investigation work that resulted in this conviction and significant sentence."

References

1. ^ caused the death of his 14 year old son (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
2. ^ southbound carriageway near Lancaster (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
3. ^ signing up to our newsletter here. (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
4. ^ the Manchester Evening News (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)