A WOKINGHAM man has been convicted of drug driving but acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving at a hearing in Reading on Wednesday, May 17.
Joshua Julian, 29 and of Skinner Drive, was found guilty by majority jury verdict at Reading Crown Court of causing death by careless driving after a six-day trial.
He was acquitted of the original charge of causing death by dangerous driving, as the two charges have distinct implications.
It followed an incident which took place at the junction of Addington Road and Alexandra Road in Reading at around 7.15pm on June 10, 2020.
The victim, 35-year-old Tomasz Krohne, was working for a food delivery company when he was cycling towards the Addington Road junction.
As Mr Krohne cycled across the junction, Julian’s vehicle collided with him, causing significant injuries.
Despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Mr Krohne died at the scene.
Julian was driving home from a 12-hour shift, with CCTV footage showing that he was driving at 44mph in a 20mph zone– more than double the limit.
While Julian passed an alcohol breath test, he tested positive for cannabis and was subsequently arrested.
A blood sample was taken shortly after which showed a level of around 4.9ug/100ml (micrograms per 100ml) of cannabinoids in his blood, nearly two and a half times the legal limit of 2ug/100ml.
Julian pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the specified limit of drugs and was charged with causing the death of Mr Kohne by careless driving while over the specified limit of drugs on August 4 last year.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Joy Jarvis, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It has been a long journey for all parties involved and we are satisfied that Joshua Julian has been convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the specific limit of drugs
“We hope that this outcome sends a strong message to drivers. It is simply unacceptable to smoke cannabis and then get behind the wheel of a car.
“As has been demonstrated in this tragic case, taking drugs and driving can have devastating consequences.
“I hope that this conviction will bring some closure to Tomasz Krohne’s family and friends, and our thoughts remain with them.”
Julian has been released on bail to return to Reading Crown Court for sentencing on 30 June.
