Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Fatal Crash Following Fake Drug Transaction Pursuit

An individual has received an 18-year prison sentence for causing the deaths of three men during a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit occurred after the men defrauded him in a drug transaction, substituting popcorn for cannabis. Robbie Cook, aged 39, residing at Croxden Way in Eastbourne, East Sussex, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice. His sentencing took place at Lewes Crown Court on Friday. Daniel Davies, 21, Jonny Day, 32, and Jon ‘Tommy’ Miller, 36, who had traveled from Wokingham, Berkshire, perished at the location in Decoy Drive, Eastbourne, on 13 February 2023. The Citroen Berlingo, operated by Mr Day, collided with a tree during a pursuit by Cook’s borrowed Range Rover. This occurred after the £3,500 worth of cannabis Cook believed he had purchased from them was discovered to be popcorn. Cook departed the site after illuminating and searching their vehicle with a torch. During court proceedings, it was revealed that Cook informed police he did not contact 999 despite observing indications of life within the vehicle. Emergency responders were summoned over thirty minutes subsequent to Cook arranging for an acquaintance to fabricate an account for law enforcement. The following morning, on Valentine’s Day, Cook wed his fiancée. Judge Christine Laing KC stated to Cook: “You were determined to recover either your money or drugs at all costs.” “Your car headlights were illuminating the scene. You would have been well able to see the state all three men were in.” “It’s your own account you heard them moaning and groaning.” “When emergency services arrived more than an hour later, Mr Davies would only just have died.” Kerri Farrell, Mr Day’s fiancée, expressed her devastation regarding his death. “He was the other half of me, I will never be the same again, I have no idea who I am any more. My heart will forever be broken.” Mr Miller’s family commented: “We will never know the meaning of true joy again.” In correspondence submitted to the court, Cook conveyed his desire to articulate his profound regret. He penned: “I made choices that resulted in complete and utter devastation.” Additionally, Cook has received a 14-year driving prohibition. For updates from BBC Sussex, connect on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Submit your story concepts to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or message us on WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.