‘Reckless’ cousins jailed over fatal crash
Joshua Askew - South EastDecember 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
David Francois (left) and Tryon Francois (right) were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court [Kent Police]
Two cousins who caused a fatal crash in Kent after multiple near misses have been jailed. Tryon Francois, 29, and David Francois, 49, were travelling in a Ford Transit van in Chatham on 27 November 2021 when it mounted a footpath and struck a wall, killing Jason Bale. They had been seen drinking alcohol at a family event in Lordswood the previous night.
Dashcam footage showed David driving erratically at 00:33 GMT the following morning and the pair arguing over who should be behind the wheel. David narrowly avoided a fence then swapped seats with Tryon, who continued to drive dangerously while also under the influence of drugs, police said. Tryon drove erratically above the 30mph speed limit and mounted a footpath, colliding with brick walls and iron fences, Kent Police said.
The victim 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 force added. The van also collided with a gas main which caused a leak. Tryon fled the scene after begging his cousin to join him following the incident.
David refused as his cats were in the back of the van and instead waited for police to arrive, officers detailed. Mr Bale's body was found by a firefighter who was assisting with an evacuation of the area due to the gas leak. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
When approached by officers David became violent. Police said he forcefully pushed one officer, kicked another and caused bruising to a female officer's arm.
"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Jason's family," said investigating officer DS Dawn Smith. "While nothing can undo their loss, we hope today's custodial sentences mark a step toward justice and brings them some measure of comfort," she continued.
Ms Smith said the "devastating collision" was caused by the pair's "reckless" decisions. "David's sentence is a stark reminder that even as passenger you have a responsibility within the vehicle you are travelling in," she continued. "Taking unnecessary risks and breaking the law can cost lives."
Tyron Francois, of Haig Avenue, Chatham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment. David Francois, of Barrington Gate Holbeach, Lincolnshire, was found guilty of aiding and abetting death by dangerous driving and jailed for 13 years. He was also sentenced for driving a motor vehicle dangerously, assaulting an emergency worker, intentional strangulation, common assault, criminal damage, and possession of a bladed weapon.
David has also been disqualified from driving for 17 years. Both men were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 18 December 2025. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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