Derby Driver Jailed After Fatal Crash with Cocaine and Booze
Drugs and Drink Behind Wheel
Darren Burton from Chaddesden, Derby, went on a deadly joyride on 18 June 2022. After drinking alcohol and taking cocaine, he gave three people a lift in his work van.
Burton sat in the front with one passenger, while friends Andrew Calf and Allan Reeve squeezed into the back amid work gear — without seatbelts.
Speed and Reckless Driving Lead to Tragedy
Near their destination, Burton lost control after speeding up to overtake another car. The van smashed into metal barriers.
The crash hurled Andrew Calf and Allan Reeve from the vehicle. Both men died from their injuries.
Justice Served: Increased Sentence After Appeal
Burton admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. On 6 February 2023, he was jailed for four years and eight months, and banned from driving for nine years and four months.
The Solicitor General, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, said:
“My thoughts are with the families of Allan Reeve and Alan Calf who were tragically killed because of Darren Burton’s recklessness.
His increased sentence should serve as a clear warning to anyone considering getting behind the wheel while drunk or under the influence is never worth the risk.”
The Attorney General’s Office reviewed the sentence, deeming it potentially too lenient. The Solicitor General referred the case to the Court of Appeal.
On 28 April 2023, the Court of Appeal slammed Burton with a tougher sentence: five years and ten months in jail, plus an extended driving ban of nine years and eleven months.
