A motorist who killed a passenger and seriously injured another in a collision where his speed exceeded 100mph in a residential area has been jailed for five years and two months.
Vinit Patel, 30, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday, April 22).
At around 11.30pm on Sunday, January 17 last year, police were called to Coleman Road in Evington following a report that a Seat Leon Cupra had collided with a tree. On arrival, they found that the impact of the collision had caused the car to split in two – and that the rear end was alight.
The back-seat passenger – a man in his 20s who owned the car – was pronounced dead at the scene. Patel and a front seat passenger, now aged 40, were both found unconscious at the scene and taken to hospital for treatment.
The passenger was found to have suffered broken ribs and a facial fracture which required three metal plates to be inserted, as well as a fracture to his lower back.
Enquiries carried out by the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) determined that Patel’s speed was approximately 120mph more than 100 metres before the car collided with the tree.
Patel was driving at four times the speed limit in the area – 30mph.
Patel, of Crown Hills Avenue in Leicester, was eventually discharged from hospital in March 2021 and interviewed by police the following month.
Toxicology reports confirmed he was over the legal alcohol limit at the time of the collision.
At a court hearing on March 14, Patel pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Today he was also disqualified from driving for eight years and must sit an extended test when re-applying for his licence.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, from the SCIU, was the senior investigating officer. He said: “It’s difficult to comprehend the speed at which Patel was driving. He was in a lit, residential area where the limit is 30mph, but was travelling at more than four times that.
“He didn’t care for the safety of his passengers – or those living in the area – and had complete disregard for them. Sadly, the recklessness of his driving resulted in the most serious of consequences.
“While in prison, I hope Patel takes time to reflect on the devastation he has caused and my heartfelt condolences remain with the family of the passenger who lost his life.”
