A drug-driver who crashed his car at speed and ran from the scene, leaving his front seat passenger with serious injuries which he later died from, has been jailed.

Emergency services were called to Preston Road, Grimsargh at 6am on November 24 2018, after an Audi A3 S-Line being driven by Sean Harrison Dowbekin had left the carriageway, overturned and crashed into a lamppost.

Dowbekin’s passenger, 23-year-old Jake Beatty from Longridge, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Preston Hospital.

Sadly, Jake died with his family at his bedside on Christmas Eve, 2018.

Lancashire Telegraph: Jake BeattyJake Beatty

Dowbekin was arrested at 9.40am on November 24 in Mersey Street, Longridge, following information received from the public.

He was found to be more than seven times over the limit for drugs (benzoylecgonine – the main metabolite of cocaine).

The 27-year-old, of Preston Road, Ribchester, appeared at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday where he was convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the prescribed limit of drugs and was handed a five year jail sentence. 

As well as being given the custodial sentence, Dowbekin was given a five year driving ban which will start when he is released from custody.

Insp Andy Trotter, of Lancashire Police’s Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said: "“This collision resulted in the death of a young man who had his whole life ahead of him.

"My thoughts remain with Jake’s family at this time.

"Dowbekin’s behaviour on that day was selfish and shameful, choosing to leave Jake seriously injured rather than face the consequences."