Driver Zak Lacey sentenced to two years in prison for fatal crash

A driver has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to killing a woman in a New Year’s Eve crash.

Zak Lacey, 26, of Stag Hill, Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Jessica Dominey, 32, died after the car she was driving was struck head-on by Lacey’s vehicle at around 15:10 GMT on December 31, 2021.

In addition to his prison sentence, Lacey lost his driving license for five years upon his release and will be required to take an extended re-test.

The accident occurred when Lacey, who was later found to be driving while tired and taking prescribed medication that may cause drowsiness, crossed the center white line while turning onto the B4192 road at Whittonditch, near Ramsbury.

He was found to be driving at speeds ranging from 100 to 72 mph, up to 60 mph over the speed limit, and was distracted by an unanswered incoming phone call.

The car he was driving, a black Audi A4, hit a white Ford Fiesta driven by Mrs Dominey on her way home from work. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lacey was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Sergeant Rich Hatch, of Wiltshire Police, said the sentence “reflects the seriousness of the incident”.

“Due to her speed, fatigue and distraction, Lacey caused the death of an innocent woman who was on her way home from work,” he said.

“I hope that this, like other similar collisions we have seen, serves as a warning to other road users to seriously consider their behavior when they get behind the wheel of their vehicle.

“Even prescription medications can have an adverse effect on your ability to drive and make decisions.”