Drug-driving dad killed son, 8, while 13 times over the limit

A father has been jailed after he lost control of his car while high on cocaine and smashed into a truck, killing his eight-year-old son.

Leon Clarke, 40, was 13-and-a-half times the drug-drive limit when he lost control as he switched lanes on the M60 near Stockport, Greater Manchester, on 28 February, 2020.

Clarke's car careered out of control and smashed into a Highways Iveco Tipper Van parked on the hard shoulder.

His son, Blake Consterdine Clarke, who was sitting in the back, was declared dead an hour later after being rushed to hospital.

Blake’s younger brother, Mason, then aged six, was also in the car and suffered minor injuries along with a Highways worker, who was in the Tipper van at the time.

Police said Clarke’s BMW was not insured and the tyres were below the legal limit.

Blake’s heartbroken mother, Vicky Consterdine, paid tribute to her son and described how she has lived in a “continuous nightmare” since he died.

In a statement released by police after Clarke was sentenced, Ms Consterdine said: "He had a bright future. Blake was sensitive, affectionate, protective of Mason, his friends and me.

"He loved school, so much so he couldn’t wait to get back to School on that Monday.

"He loved his friends, which he had from nursery. He enjoyed street dance, computer games and Lego. Blake loved life and loved his family.”

She added: "Now I live in a continuous nightmare that I’m yet to wake from.

“Mason has lost his best friend and I have lost my beautiful son, and the life and love I once had."

Clarke had collected Blake and Mason from their grandmothers in Middleton, Greater Manchester, for an access visit during half-term on the day of the crash.

Police said the weather was poor which affected the conditions of the motorway and forced many drivers to reduce their speed due to the heavy spray and standing water.

But when Clarke changed lanes his car went into an irreversible spin and the rear of his car collided with the stationary truck.

The collision caused extensive damage to the back of the car where Blake was sat, Greater Manchester Police said.

Members of the public who witnessed the collision stopped and removed Blake from the damaged vehicle along with Mason who was sat in the front passenger seat.

But despite the best efforts of members of the public and medics, Blake died from his injuries.

Clarke told police he had taken cocaine the night before the crash but felt fit enough to drive and insisted that he was travelling no more than 55-60 mph.

But police said their investigation showed Clarke was travelling at 76mph.

Clarke was jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to causing Blake's death by careless driving, whilst over the limit for drugs and also uninsured.