Lee Docherty, a 38-year-old crime gang leader, caused a fatal crash on the M8 near Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Scotland, killing three friends and injuring four others.
The accident occurred in the early hours of September 19, 2021, when Docherty fell asleep while driving a hired Audi Q7 at 127 mph (204.39 km/h), reported Glasgow Live.
Mark Downie, 31, David Paton, and Manveer Benning, both 27, died in the crash. Four other passengers were seriously injured.
Docherty pled guilty to causing their deaths by dangerous driving at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday.
Previously, Docherty was sentenced to eight years in prison for leading a drugs gang in Greenock, Inverclyde. For this latest crime, Lord Clark added nine more years to his sentence, reported Glasgow Live.
Prosecutor Greg Farrell explained that Docherty and his friends had been at a Glasgow city centre club before the crash. Despite the Audi being designed for seven people, eight were crammed into the vehicle. Farrell noted Docherty’s speed was “grossly excessive.”
The overloaded Audi drifted into the hard shoulder near junction 31 of the M8, eventually tumbling down an embankment and landing on its roof. Most passengers were not wearing seat belts.
Docherty’s lawyer, Thomas Ross KC, acknowledged the immense pain caused to the victims’ families and highlighted the remarkable compassion shown by some of them, who have forgiven Docherty.
Lord Clark stated that the 12-year sentence was reduced due to Docherty’s guilty plea and would commence after his current eight-year term ends. Docherty was also banned from driving for 14 and a half years.
