Jail for 80mph driver who killed man on seafront

1 hour ago

Mariam Issimdar

News image — Police said Garrido, 25, had made a decision to "drive recklessly and put the safety of other people at risk"

Norfolk Police A police custody shot of Zack Garrido. He is wearing glasses, a black sleeveless T-shirt and has a silver necklace around his neck. — Police said Garrido, 25, had made a decision to "drive recklessly and put the safety of other people at risk"

A driver who hit and killed a pedestrian while doing 80mph in a 30mph limit has been jailed for six years.

Zack Garrido, 25, was at the wheel of a Tesla Model 3 on South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, when he hit 39-year-old Paul Leavy, who was crossing the road.

Norfolk Police said subsequent investigations showed Garrido, of Mill Road, Burgh Castle, had been doing up to 80mph before the incident, which happened at about 21:45 BST on 27 August 2024.

He had admitted causing death by dangerous driving and, at a sentencing hearing on Monday at Norwich Crown Court, he was given a six-year prison sentence and was disqualified from driving for eight years.

Skye Leavy, the victim's daughter, told the court: "The defendant's actions have left my family with a permanent, multi-generational loss that we are still trying to process."

Norfolk Police Paul Leavy is smiling and sitting in a pub. He is wearing a grey jumper. — Paul Leavy, who died at the scene, was described as a "loving father, a devoted son, a caring friend"

After the hearing, Det Con Kelly Dale, the investigating officer, said: "Our thoughts remain with Paul Leavy's family and friends.

"Zack Garrido made a decision that night to drive recklessly and put the safety of other people at risk.

"The pain Paul's family continues to live with cannot be undone by any sentence, but I hope today's outcome provides some recognition of the seriousness of Garrido's actions.

"This case is also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving too fast - and we will continue working to put irresponsible and dangerous drivers before the courts."

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