Porsche driver Robert Beach 'high on powerful drugs' at time of fatal crash, Hull Crown Court hears

A PORSCHE driver who killed his friend was high on powerful drugs and was unable to handle his high-performance car, a court has heard.

Robert Andrew Beach, 36, was driving his Porsche 911 Carrera when he crashed in Hessle, killing his passenger and friend Marc Putnam.

He was driving along Hessle High Road when he lost control coming off a roundabout.

The Porsche ended up on the wrong side of the road, heading into the path of an oncoming Mercedes.

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Mr Putnam, 30, was in the passenger seat and took the full brunt of the crash.

Beach is alleged to have been driving at speeds of up to 50mph on the 30mph stretch after negotiating the roundabout.

He has gone on trial at Hull Crown Court accused of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drugs.

Following the crash Mr Beach was taken to hospital, where a blood sample was taken.

The court heard his blood contained traces of Class C drug Phenazepam, known as bonsai, which is more powerful than heroin substitute diazepam and is not available in the UK.

The jury was told its side-effects include drowsiness, lightheadedness, disorientation and confusion. It stays in the body for days after being taken.

Prosecutor David Bradshaw said: "These effects are likely to adversely affect driving ability.

"There is no doubt, say the prosecution, that at that time the defendant had drugs in his system when he was driving.

"There were no road conditions that would have contributed towards this accident.

"Given the quantity and level of the drugs in his bloodstream, he must have been affected by them, making him unfit to drive.

"The prosecution say he lost control because of his speed, because he was probably an inexperienced driver for this type of powerful car, which has rear-wheel drive, which can, in certain circumstances, makes it difficult to control."

The court heard Beach later told the police his friend had asked him to change course at the last minute to go to a supermarket. He said the change of direction caused his car to "go out of control".

Beach has already pleaded guilty to causing his friend's death by careless driving on January 26 last year.

The Porsche was travelling from the Hessle Road roundabout towards the A63 when it crashed into a black Mercedes, which then hit a Fiat Stilo.

The drivers of the Mercedes and the Fiat suffered minor injuries.

Police had to close the road for several hours after the accident at 9.05pm, only reopening it at 2am.

Beach, of Thoresby Street, west Hull, denies the charge and the trial continues.