Driver sentenced to prison for causing death of father-of-two

A reckless driver who claimed the life of a father and left three relatives severely injured has received a 10-year prison sentence. On October 8, 2023, Sahil Nagpal collided head-on with a car driven by Paul Brand, a father of two, after attempting a hazardous overtaking maneuver along the A171 route connecting Whitby and Teesside, authorities reported.

The 30-year-old from Wardley, Gateshead, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a four-day trial at Teesside Crown Court.

In a statement, Mr. Brand's family expressed relief at the sentencing, saying they can now begin to grieve properly after nearly two years of seeking justice. They recalled the trauma of reliving the crash details during the trial while Nagpal denied guilt. We will honor our fathers memory and ensure his grandson, who never met him, knows about his legacy, the family added.

The court heard that Nagpal, driving a Hyundai i40, overtook another vehicle on a rural stretch around 19:00 GMT despite solid white lines, a hidden dip warning sign, and a slow road marking. His car crossed fully into the opposite lane before colliding with Mr. Brands vehicle.

Gemma Brett from North Yorkshire Police's major collision unit noted that Nagpal persisted in denying the charges despite overwhelming evidence, forcing the family to relive the harrowing events.

Numerous lives were affected by his actions, and it is appropriate that he now faces the consequences, Brett stated.

Nagpal, currently with no fixed address, was sentenced to 10 years for causing death by dangerous driving, along with a six-year driving ban. He also received seven years for the three counts of causing serious injury, to be served concurrently.

Author: Noah Whitman