Drink-driver jailed for eight years after crash caused passenger’s death
The collision in Knutton claimed the life of 32-year-old Shejuti Pasha
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after admitting to causing the death of his passenger in a drink-driving crash last year.
Sharuyan Sasikumar, from Dagenham in Essex, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 26th November after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving over the legal alcohol limit.
The court heard how Sasikumar had been driving a Toyota CH-R at a speed close to 82 miles per hour down High Street in Knutton on 25th September 2022. He lost control of the car and crashed into a lamppost and railings.
His passenger, 32-year-old Shejuti Pasha, suffered serious injuries and sadly died later in hospital.
Tests conducted after the crash revealed that Sasikumar’s breath alcohol limit was 59µg, exceeding the legal limit of 35µg. He has also been disqualified from driving for 11 years and four months and will need to undergo an extended retest before driving again.
Sergeant Rich Moors of the serious collision investigation unit said: "This was a totally avoidable collision if Sasikumar had just obeyed the law, driven within the speed limit, and not driven under the influence of alcohol.
“Sadly, his decisions on that night led to the death of an innocent passenger in his car. I hope this case reminds people of the dangers of irresponsible driving and our thoughts remain with Shejuti’s friends and family at this difficult time.”