A Westmeadows man who was more than three times over the blood alcohol limit when he caused a six-car collision at Hoppers Crossing two years ago has been sentenced to almost six years’ jail.
Kane Belot, 42, pleaded guilty to reckless conduct endangering serious injury, two counts of negligently causing serious injury and two counts of recklessly causing injury, in the Melbourne County Court recently.
Belot had drunk six cans of full-strength beer before leaving the Hoppers Crossing factory where he worked just before 6pm on July 16, 2014.
He was found to have driven between 119km/h and 131km/h, and on the wrong side of Old Geelong Road, in a 60km/h zone.
When Belot attempted to swerve into the correct lane, his car crashed into a car turning out of Forsyth Road, causing his car to rebound off the first and into another stationary vehicle waiting to turn right.
The impact forced the stationary car into the left lane of traffic, where it crashed into the front of another car, which in turn was forced backward, colliding with another car.
A mother and her four-year-old daughter, sustained serious injuries as a result, and a further four – including a woman who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time – were injured.
Belot suffered no injuries from the collisions.
The Forsyth Road off-ramp for north-bound traffic was closed for several hours during the evening peak, causing extensive delays along the Princes Freeway.
Belot recorded an evidentiary breath test of 0.115, and his licence was immediately suspended.
Earlier this month, the County Court sentenced him to five years and 10 months jail, with a non-parole period of three years and 10 months.
Sergeant Graeme Crouch of Werribee Police, who attended the scene on the night, said the man’s conviction is proof that society and the courts will not tolerate drink driving.
“In this instance, due to someone’s poor choices, six people were injured, two seriously,” Sergeant Crouch said.
“It has been evident that road trauma impacts all involved in various ways, and creates life-changing situations.
“All drivers are urged to think of the consequences before acting, whether it be drink driving, drug driving and or driving in a dangerous manner, including excessive speed.”
