Family's tribute as man jailed for fatal collision near Malvern

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to three years and four months for drink driving and causing death by driving without due care and attention. 

Thomas Barnett, of Court Road in Malvern, was handed the sentence at Worcester Crown Court yesterday after previously pleading guilty to the charges.

He was also disqualified from driving for a total of seven years and eight months, with a requirement to complete an extended re-test at the end of the ban.

On 23 January 2024 Barnett was driving along the B4211 Worcester Road, near Hanley Castle, when he was involved in a head-on-collision with a Ford Mondeo.  The driver of the Mondeo, 37-year-old Jeremy Hack, sadly died of his injuries.

PC Danny Somner, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “I’m pleased that Barnett has been given a custodial sentence and will pay the price for the dangerous decisions he made that day.

“Drink driving is an incredibly selfish act which, as we’ve seen in this case, can destroy innocent lives and devastate families.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Jerry who sadly lost his life as a result of Barnett’s actions on 23 January.”

Jeremy’s family have paid tribute to him, saying “Jerry was a fierce son, brother, uncle and friend, who would do anything for anyone. He will be sadly missed.”

Issued by LS, Corporate Communications

Sadly missed - Jeremy Hack, whose family called him a 'fierce son, brother, uncle and friend'.