A man responsible for the deaths of three men in Eastbourne through dangerous driving has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. Robbie Cook, 39, of Croxden Way, Eastbourne, was convicted at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (November 22) for three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of perverting the course of justice.
The fatal incident, which occurred on February 13 last year, took the lives of Daniel Davies, 21, Jonny Day, 32, and Jon “Tommy” Miller, 36, all from Berkshire. Cook pursued the victims through the Hampden Park area in a Range Rover, resulting in their Citroen Berlingo losing control and crashing into trees on Hampden Park Drive. Tragically, all three men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Deadly Pursuit Sparked by a Drug Deal Gone Wrong
Investigations by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team revealed the events leading to the high-speed chase. The two vehicles had been seen entering Woburn Way earlier that evening, where a cannabis deal was alleged to have been arranged. Instead of drugs, however, the victims reportedly supplied large quantities of popcorn, provoking Cook’s pursuit.
Footage captured the grey Range Rover aggressively following the Citroen Berlingo at speed. Evidence presented in court showed the Range Rover made contact with the back of the Citroen prior to the crash. Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said, “Robbie Cook drove recklessly in pursuit of these three men… forcing the Berlingo into the junction of Decoy Drive and Hampden Park Drive at high speed, leaving them with nowhere to go.”
Cook’s Deceptive Actions Post-Crash
Following the crash, Cook’s actions revealed a blatant disregard for human life. Surveillance showed him stopping at the scene with a torch to inspect the damage and the injured occupants before leaving the area. Cook later attempted to deceive authorities, denying any connection to the Citroen or the victims. Further, he destroyed his phone to hinder the investigation and admitted he avoided the scene because he had drugs in his vehicle.
DCI Campbell condemned Cook’s lack of remorse: “Despite his actions causing the collision, he showed no concern for the welfare of anybody in the car… He did not remain there, did not help, nor did he contact the emergency services.”
Justice for the Victims’ Families
Cook’s guilty plea reduced his initial 24-year sentence to 18 years, alongside a 14-year driving ban. Sussex Police expressed relief at the conviction, emphasizing the danger Cook posed to the public. “We are pleased that a dangerous offender has now been convicted and taken off our streets,” DCI Campbell stated.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and criminal behavior. Sussex Police reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families, offering their condolences to the bereaved.
