A reckless driver who caused a fatal head-on collision while over the legal drug limit has been sentenced to six years in prison.
Max Anderson, 30, of Priors Acre, Boxgrove, near Chichester, was behind the wheel of a BMW when he lost control after dangerously overtaking a bus in Kennel Road, near Goodwood. His reckless maneuver resulted in a deadly crash with another vehicle, tragically leading to the death of Donald Sutherland, 68, from Bognor.
Suspect Tested Positive for Cocaine Breakdown Chemical
Following the incident, Anderson tested positive for 79 microgrammes of benzoylecgonine—a chemical breakdown product of cocaine—per litre of blood, far exceeding the legal limit of 50 microgrammes. Despite this, Anderson denied knowledge of the drugs in his system, claiming he was a careful driver and not engaging in risky behavior.
Victim Succumbed to Injuries After Five Days in Hospital
Emergency services rushed Donald Sutherland to the hospital following the crash, but after five days of treatment, he tragically passed away from his injuries. His death adds to the growing concerns over drug-related driving incidents, which remain a significant cause of fatal crashes in Sussex.
Court Hears Details of Fatal Crash
Appearing before Portsmouth Crown Court on January 24, Anderson admitted to causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that his BMW skidded to the wrong side of the road after overtaking a bus, striking a road sign and embankment before colliding with Sutherland’s vehicle.
Adding to the severity of the case, Anderson had previously been advised not to drive due to his history of drug use. Despite this warning, he chose to get behind the wheel under the influence.
Six-Year Jail Sentence and Driving Ban
In sentencing, the judge imposed:
✔️ 6 years imprisonment
✔️ 9-year driving disqualification
✔️ Mandatory extended retest before regaining a license
Police Issue Warning Over Drug Driving
Sussex Police shared the details of the case as part of their efforts to highlight the dangers of drug and alcohol-impaired driving.
Detective Constable Dave Symonds from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
“Anderson lost control and caused a fatal collision on our roads. This is a tragic case for all involved, linked to the consumption of drugs and alcohol. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of drug driving.”
