Driver jailed for ten years after fatal North Yorkshire crash
Sahil Nagpal sentenced for causing fatal crash and injuries in 2023
Last updated 2nd Dec 2025
A driver has been sentenced to ten years in prison following a collision on the A171 in North Yorkshire that claimed one life and caused serious injuries to three others.
Sahil Nagpal, 30, from Wardley, Gateshead, was convicted at Teesside Crown Court earlier this year for causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The incident occurred on 8th October 2023, at approximately 7pm, when Nagpal was driving a Hyundai i40 on the A171 stretch between Whitby and Teesside. The court was told that he performed a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on a section of the road near Scaling Reservoir, despite warning signs including solid white lines and a 'hidden dip' alert.
Nagpal's car collided head-on with a vehicle going in the opposite direction, driven by Paul Brand, who was on his way to work. Tragically, Mr Brand died at the scene despite receiving emergency treatment. Three family members travelling as passengers in Nagpal’s car were also seriously injured.
During sentencing, the court heard that Nagpal’s vehicle was completely on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash. North Yorkshire Police, who conducted the investigation, arrested and charged Nagpal following the incident.
Traffic Constable Gemma Brett from the Major Collision Investigation Unit commented: “The impact this collision had on Mr Brand’s family has been immeasurable. I pay tribute to the strength and dignity they have shown throughout this ordeal, particularly his two children. I hope they can derive some comfort from the outcome at court.
“By contrast, Nagpal – in the face of overwhelming evidence of his dangerous driving – pleaded ‘not guilty’, forcing Mr Brand’s family to re-live the trauma of this devastating incident. So many lives were affected by Nagpal’s actions on that day, and it is right that he now faces the consequences.”
Mr Brand's family released a statement expressing their pain and the relief of closure after the sentencing: "After a long, drawn-out, painful two years, we can finally stop and think about starting to properly grieve, knowing that the man who killed our dad is finally getting punished, and we will have some justice for our dad."
They added: "We will continue to keep our dad alive by never letting him be forgotten by anyone, and he will also be remembered by his grandson who never got to meet his grandad."