Jed Maxwell Bell jailed for three years for causing death of friend Mark Gabriel by dangerous driving
An Adelaide plumber who killed his best friend in an Adelaide Hills crash has been locked up after a judge found his “deliberate” decision to drive drunk was the primary cause.
A driver who killed his best friend in a crash has been locked up after a judge found his “deliberate” decision to drive drunk was the primary cause.
Jed Maxwell Bell was jailed for more than three years for causing the death of Mark Gabriel, after he previously blamed everything else around him for the collision.
During sentencing on Thursday, the District Court heard Bell and Mr Gabriel were playing golf on February 15, 2023, and consumed alcohol.
“You then made the tragic decision to drive to your next destination,” Judge Jane Schammer said.
The court heard Bell approached a right-hand bend on Paracombe Rd at Paracombe and understeered, losing control of the vehicle and slamming into a large tree.
Mr Gabriel, who was in the front passenger seat, died as a result of head injuries sustained in the collision.
An expert report concluded Bell’s blood alcohol level had been between 0.11 and 0.188.
Bell, 34, of Wynn Vale, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Previously, Bell’s counsel blamed the road, a lack of signage, tree placement, gravel, debris and the setting sun for his offence – not just his own intoxication.
“He (Bell’s counsel) submitted that the direct cause of the collision was your momentary inattention in approaching the bend too fast, albeit at about the speed limit,” Judge Schammer said.
However, Judge Schammer said the external factors were present for other drivers that safely negotiated the bend that evening.
“I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the primary reason your vehicle collided with the tree was because your ability to drive was significantly impaired by the consumption of alcohol,” she said.
“Of course, if you never got behind the wheel in the first place we would not be here today.”
The court heard Mr Gabriel, who was 34 at the time, was “much loved” and was like “a brother” to Bell, who had written a letter of apology.
“Living with the guilt and grief must be extremely difficult for you,” Judge Schammer said.
Bell was jailed for three years and nine months, with a non-parole period of three years.
Judge Schammer said the offending was too serious for Bell, a father who runs a plumbing business, to be given a suspended or home detention sentence and ordered he serve it in custody.
He was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.
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Originally published as Jed Maxwell Bell jailed for three years for causing death of friend Mark Gabriel by dangerous driving
