A speeding motorist who was using his mobile phone minutes before he caused the death of another driver has been jailed.

Loui Curtis caused the fatal collision on the Londonbound carriageway of the M2, close to the junction 5 exit, on Monday 3 August 2020.

The 27-year-old from Gillingham, was driving his black BMW 320D when it collided with the rear of a blue Toyota Yaris at 12.50am.

Caused victim’s car to be accelerated by 40mph in just one tenth of a second

PC Darren Chapman

The victim, a 34-year-old man from Rochester, died at the scene.

Serious collision investigators from Kent Police attended the scene and Curtis was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Investigators analysed Curtis’ phone and it was found that he had composed and sent a message just prior to the collision taking place.

He was also found to have been driving at 108mph at the time of the collision. The speed limit was 70mph.

Following his arrest, Curtis was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He admitted the charge and on Thursday 10 February 2022 was sentenced to three years and two months in jail at Maidstone Crown Court.

Investigating officer PC Darren Chapman of Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: ‘Curtis’ dangerous, and reckless behaviour cost the life of an innocent motorist, who was heading home after work.
‘Curtis got behind the wheel that night and drove at a grossly excessive speed, whilst also composing a rather pointless message. The speed he was driving caused the victim’s car to be accelerated by 40mph in just one tenth of a second.
‘Using a mobile phone at the wheel and speeding is inexcusable and puts other motorists and pedestrians at risk as evidenced in this case.
‘His victim’s family have been left devastated and I hope this sentencing offers them some closure.’

By Ed

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