A Broadstairs man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to causing a fatal collision that killed his friend. The court heard that Colby Hammond, 20, was driving at excessive speeds when his car crashed into a tree, resulting in the death of Ethan Entwistle, 18.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, October 1, 2023. According to Kent Police, Hammond had spent the evening with friends at bars in Ramsgate Harbour before getting behind the wheel to drive them home. Witnesses and police investigators reported that Hammond drove the wrong way down a one-way street before accelerating to speeds of up to 70mph in a 30mph zone on Dumpton Park Drive. His vehicle, a Seat Ibiza carrying three passengers, then left the road and collided with a tree. Despite the swift response from emergency services, Ethan Entwistle, a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene from catastrophic injuries.
Hammond, from Broadstairs, admitted to officers that he had been drinking and was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to the charge at Canterbury Crown Court. In addition to his prison sentence, Hammond was given a six-year driving ban and must pass an extended retest to regain his licence.
Investigating officer DC Lee Berridge said:
‘This has been a tragic case for all involved. Our investigation shows that the cause of the collision was due to the irresponsible actions of the driver in consuming alcohol and having little to no regard for the safety of his passenger, furthermore failing to heed the warning of his passengers to slow down.
‘The message is clear, never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol and if you are a passenger, don’t be afraid to refuse a lift.
‘The decision by Colby Hammond to drink and drive that night had devastating consequences. A life was lost, and my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones who have been left grieving.’