Heartbreaking message after a father is killed in drink-drive crash

Friday, 24 December 2021 13:05

By V2 Radio News Team

A woman whose father was killed by a drink-driver in West Sussex is urging others not to take the risk this Christmas.

Nicholas Bailey, 74, was killed in the collision in Turners Hill Road, Crawley Down in June 2020. His daughter Nicola has spoken out following the conviction of Kevin Pratt, who admitted drink driving and causing death by careless driving.

“By the time I got to him at the crash site he was gone. The images from that evening will stay with me for ever.”

These are the words of a woman whose father was tragically killed by a drink-driver.

Now, after the man responsible was jailed, she is pleading with motorists not to get behind the wheel of their vehicle if they have consumed alcohol or drugs.

Nicola Bailey has described the “complete and utter devastation” caused for her family after her much-loved father Nicholas Bailey, 74, pictured above, died in a collision at Turners Hill Road, Crawley Down on June 25, 2020.

She has added her voice to support the Sussex Police campaign to stop drink and drug drivers this Christmas.

Drink-driver Kevin Pratt had consumed several glasses of wine all afternoon on June 25 after attending a barbecue with friends. He had his last drink just 20 minutes before driving home with a passenger in his Vauxhall Astra.

Witnesses said Pratt failed to see Mr Bailey who was clearly visible on his motorcycle. Pratt turned into the path of the victim who had no time to react.

Mr Bailey suffered multiple injuries and tragically died at the scene.

Now, Pratt, of Spring Plat, Crawley, has been jailed for two years and three months after he pleaded guilty to drink-driving and causing death by careless driving.

At Hove Crown Court on December 21 he was also disqualified from driving for four years and six months.

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