Two boozing cousins have been jailed after hitting a wall in their van killing an innocent bystander.
Tryon Francois, 29, and David Francois, 49, were travelling in a Ford Transit van when it mounted a footpath and struck a wall, killing Jason Bale.
They had been seen drinking alcohol at a family event just hours before.
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Dashcam footage showed David driving erratically at 12.30am and the pair arguing over who should be behind the wheel.
David narrowly avoided a fence then swapped seats with Tryon, who continued to drive dangerously while also under the influence of drugs, police said.
Travelling over the 30mph speed limit the van mounted the footpath colliding with brick walls and iron fences.
The victim, Jason Bale, was standing against one of the walls and was hit with such force he was thrown into the front garden of a basement property.
The van also collided with a gas main which caused a leak.
Following the incident, Tyron fled the scene after begging his cousin to join him.
David refused as his cats were in the back of the van and instead waited for police to arrive.
Jason Bale’s body was located by a firefighter who was assisting with an evacuation of the area due to the gas leak.
Despite firefighters and paramedics efforts to save Jason was pronounced dead at the scene.
When approached by police David refused to leave the area and then became violent, forcefully pushing one officer, kicking another and causing bruising to a woman officer’s arm.
It happened in Chatham, Kent, as reported by Need To Know.
Tyron Francois, 29, of Haig Avenue, Chatham pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
David Francois, 49, of Barrington Gate in Holbeach, Lincs was found guilty of aiding and abetting death by dangerous driving and jailed for 13 years.
He was disqualified from driving for 17 years.
Both men were sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court.
After sentencing Kent Police Detective Sergeant Dawn Smith said: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Jason’s family.
“While nothing can undo their loss, we hope today’s custodial sentences mark a step toward justice and bring them some measure of comfort.
“This devastating collision was caused by Tyron and David Francois’s reckless decisions on that fateful night.
“They chose to drive under the influence of drink and drugs and chose to continue to drive after numerous near misses.
“David’s sentence is a stark reminder that even as a passenger you have a responsibility within the vehicle you are travelling in.
“Our message to all motorists and passengers, especially at this time of year, is to drive safely as taking unnecessary risks and breaking the law can cost lives.”
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