THE man who killed his friend in a fatal crash has been pictured for the first time after being jailed for more than four years.

Kane Gornall admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced yesterday at Chelmsford Crown Court.

He received a sentence of four years and eight months imprisonment and was also disqualified from driving for six years and four months.

Braintree and Witham Times: Jailed - Kane Gornall admitted to causing death by dangerous drivingJailed - Kane Gornall admitted to causing death by dangerous driving (Image: Essex Police)

Gornall, 27, of Flemming Way, Witham, had been driving at an average speed of 97mph with two friends after a night out when he crashed into a tree on Witham Road in 2021.

Meyrick Williams, prosecuting, told the court Gornall had been drinking, consuming four pints at a nearby pub earlier in the evening.

He also admitted to witnesses and police after the crash he took cocaine.

The court heard how Gornall attempted "limiter bashing", deliberately trying to reach a high speed and pushing the car past its rev limit and creating a loud bang sound.

There were issues with Mr Blease’s seatbelt, with Gornall aware, however continuing to drive at high speed.

Mr Blease died due to a head injury after the car collided with a tree.

After the incident, Gornall remained on the scene, attempting CPR and calling for help, with emergency services arriving on the scene later.

Gornall was then arrested by Roads Policing Unit officers.

Jake’s family paid tribute at the time, saying: “Jake loved life and lived it to the fullest, he had a cheeky smile and a laugh no-one could ever forget."

Braintree and Witham Times: Tragic - Jake Blease died in the crashTragic - Jake Blease died in the crash

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “It is a matter of common sense, if you drive a car trying to achieve maximum revs, you are in due course going to put that car at its maximum limits in speed and ability to remain on the road.

“Knowing that you had alcohol in your system and cocaine, you decided to bash the rev limit in your car.

“It was a decision you made to deliberately drive in ignorance and with flagrant disregard of the rules of the road.”

He continued: “I have little doubt you were aware of the nature of the road you were undertaking that exercise and aware of the dangers you put your passengers and other road users in.

“I also have little doubt had you not crashed at that stage, you would’ve crashed at a later stage and carried on limiter bashing.

“But no sentence I impose is capable of making good the loss or changing the grief that is felt by Jake’s family and friends.”