Man sent to prison for 21 months for causing death by careless driving

Following the tragic death of a 33 year old, a Southampton man was this week given a jail term.

On Friday 23 July, police were called to a collision between a vehicle and a cyclist. This was on Hill Lane shortly before 10pm.

Joe Burton, the 33 year old cyclist was taken to Southampton General hospital having suffered serious and life-threatening injuries. Sadly, he passed away the following day.

Kornel Marcinek, 25, of Rayners Gardens, pleaded guilty at Southampton Crown Court to causing death by careless driving whilst over the specified limit of a controlled drug, and causing death whilst uninsured. 

On Thursday of this week, 4 August, Marcinek was sentenced to 21 months in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for 2 years and 10 months.

Following the sentencing PC Lucy Hawkins, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added;

“When Marcinek got into his vehicle that evening, knowing he was under the influence of drugs, he had absolutely no regard for the danger he posed to other road users.

“His selfish and thoughtless actions meant the life of a popular, happy and well respected man was cut short. Joe’s family and friends will now have to live with the catastrophic consequences of this incident for the rest of their lives.

“I hope this case will once again highlight the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and the responsibility that falls on all drivers to drive their vehicles safely and with regard to all other road users.”

Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Joe.