Disqualified driver jailed for causing fatal crash

A disqualified driver who caused a crash that killed his 18-year-old passenger and injured five other people has been jailed.

Jack Reape, 31, was driving a Citroen C3 on the A426 Rugby Road in Cotesbach, Leicestershire, on 15 December 2023 when he drove into the path of an incoming car, leading to a head-on collision.

Front-seat passenger Chloe Pearson suffered a serious head injury and died in hospital two days later.

Reape, of Townley Road, Wakefield, was given a 10-year prison sentence at Leicester Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and must sit an extended test before being allowed to drive.

Leicestershire Police said Chloe's twin sister, Abigale Pearson, was a backseat passenger in the car and suffered life-threatening injuries, including internal bleeding and a fracture to her collarbone.

Reape also suffered serious injuries and spent several weeks in hospital, while two more of his passengers sustained minor injuries.

Two people in the Mercedes CLK hit by Reape suffered serious life-changing injuries still affecting their mobility, the force said.

At the time of the crash, Reape was disqualified from driving and held an expired provisional licence only.

Det Con Charlotte Wright, said the crash was a "deeply tragic incident" which has had a "devastating and lasting impact" on multiple people.

"Reape should never have been behind the wheel. He was disqualified from driving and held only an expired provisional licence," she said.

"His actions resulted in the death of an 18-year-old woman who had her whole life ahead of her and left several others with serious injuries.

"Abigale not only suffered physical injuries but has also had to endure the unimaginable loss of her twin sister.

"Our thoughts remain with her and the rest of the family."

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