Drink driver who killed Norwich teenager banned again

Paul Coe, 34, was stopped by police while at the wheel of an Audi A3 on Overton Way in Reepham on April 20 last year. 

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told a roadside breath test saw him blow 130mg of alcohol - almost four times the 35mg legal limit - though the evidential reading taken later at the police station was 97mg.

Coe, of Cromer Road in Hainford, had denied drink driving but changed his plea to guilty at the start of his trial. 

Lisa Jermy was with a group of friends when she was killed in crash caused by drink driver Paul Coe (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

READ MORE: Sisters’ tribute to cousin killed by Norwich drink driver

The court was told he had previously been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving after he ploughed into a group of teenagers in Norwich after losing control of his car while double the limit. 

Lisa Jermy, 16, who was with friends outside a newsagents' shop on the corner of Magdalen Road and Waterloo Road, died as the result of the crash in October 2006.

At his trial it was revealed that he had gone through a red light and had accelerated at speeds of up to 80mph. 

Floral tributes to Lisa Jermy at scene of the 2006 crash in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Coe, who was aged 17 at the time, was sentenced at Norwich Crown Court to five years youth detention, banned from driving for 10 years.

READ MORE: Killer drivers could receive life sentences under new rules

Following her death the family of Lisa campaigned for drivers who kill under the influence of drink or drugs to be given life sentences. 

Appearing in court for his latest offence he spoke only to confirm his name, age and change of plea.

Paul Coe admitted being more than twice over the legal limit when stopped by police in April 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

His defence counsel said losing his licence would badly affect his job as a self-employed plasterer.

“He fully accepts the consequences of drink driving for himself and for other road users,” they added.

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for two years and ordered he pay fines and costs of £483. He was told if he completes a drink drive awareness course his ban will be reduced by 24 weeks.