A MAN who admitted causing the death of a new father with a “promising future” after falling asleep at the wheel has been jailed.

Stephen Sheppard, 41, of Redhill Drive, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after killing Warren Wright, 34, from London, in a crash on the A352 in Wool on July 5, 2020.

A sentencing hearing held at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday, February 7, heard how Sheppard suffered from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and in the months leading up to the incident had not been using the machine to help him sleep.

Judge Jonathan Fuller QC, sentencing the defendant to three years and four months imprisonment, described Sheppard’s decision not to use the machine as “disturbing”.

Bournemouth Echo:

Prosecuting, Tom Wright told the court there was no driver input into his Hyundai Tucson in the three seconds before the crash as he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

He then hit a caravan and the Ford Fiesta, which was behind the caravan, carrying Warren Wight.

Warren Wright was travelling back to London with his wife Rebecca and five-month-old daughter after visiting the latter’s parents for the first time since lockdown.

The 34-year-old teacher initially got out the car to help his wife and daughter, before collapsing due to internal injuries caused by the seatbelt.

Sheppard, the court heard, was travelling at 45mph in the 40mph with his partner and 11-year-old step-daughter in the car, and had failed to negotiate the “gentle” left-hand bend.

The defendant told police in interview he felt the caravan swerved into him but later accepted responsibility.

Mitigating, Andrew Nuttall said Sheppard “fully accepts” responsibility and was “so, very sorry”.

He said: “He is well aware the word sorry is not sufficient. He is well aware it can’t possibly take away the pain he has caused.”

He added the defendant was previously of good character and accepted a prison sentence was inevitable.

Judge Fuller QC said: “You took the deliberate decision to drive, notwithstanding the clear instruction about not using your device. That is a very disturbing feature of this case.

“Warren Wright was a talented man with a bright and promising future. These cases are devastating and tragic for all involved.”

Sheppard was also banned from driving for five years. Judge Fuller QC saying he was “disturbed by the long period” the defendant failed to use his machine.

Ruth Sands, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “It was the prosecution’s case that it is likely Stephan Sheppard fell asleep at the wheel having failed to take necessary medication for a medical condition.

“By deciding to stop taking the medication that he knew he needed to drive safely, Sheppard created a serious risk of danger to others.

“Sheppard’s dangerous driving resulted in the tragic death of Warren Wright, a young man and new father, whose family are undoubtedly devastated to lose him in such circumstances.

“This case should serve as a warning to anyone who takes the decision to drive whilst tired, or otherwise unfit to drive safely. The risk is not worth taking and you will be prosecuted wherever our legal test is met.”