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Jail for pair convicted of causing serious injury and death by dangerous driving (18 May 2017)

Date: 18/05/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Jail for pair convicted of causing serious injury and death by dangerous driving

Cardiff Crown Court has jailed two drivers who caused the death of a young woman after they pursued her through the streets of Cardiff.

Sophie Taylor, 22, died after the car she was driving left the road and crashed into a building during an incident in the early hours of 22 August 2016.

Joshua Deguara, who was a passenger in the car, received life-changing injuries in the incident.

Melissa Pesticcio, 24, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Michael Wheeler, 23, pleaded guilty to the same two offences.

The court heard that all of those involved in the incident knew each other and Pesticcio and Wheeler had begun to pursue Sophie Taylor after she drove past them at a set of traffic lights – Wheeler's vehicle made contact with Sophie Taylor's, causing it to leave the road.

On 12 May 2017 at Cardiff Crown Court, Melissa Pesticcio was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison and Michael Wheeler to seven-and-a-half years in jail.

After sentencing, District Crown Prosecutor with CPS Cymru-Wales, Janine Davies, said:

“Wheeler and Pesticcio used their cars to frighten and harass Sophie and Joshua, with tragic consequences.

“The jury had to consider whether the standard of Pesticcio's driving fell far below that of a careful and competent driver – the evidence presented to them demonstrated that it did.

“We thank Joshua for giving his evidence in court – he and his family, along with Sophie's family, have been supportive throughout the process and we thank them for their bravery.”


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