Crime Solicitors

In late November 2016, a 15 year old boy drove a stolen car into a tree at 88mph, killing five individuals all between 12 and 24 years of age. It has been revealed that he has been sentenced to 4 and a half years detention for causing death by dangerous driving.

The passengers were 12 year old Mr Thornton-Kimmitt, his 14 year old brother, 15 year old Mr Harte and 24 year old Mr Armour and Mr Meerun. Three of the victims were taken to hospital, where they later died, whilst the other two were pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The boy was seen by witnesses to have attempted to flee the scene of the crash, despite being told to wait for the police to arrive.

In light of the fact that the driver held no licence as he was underage and the severity of the crime, he has been disqualified from driving for 7 years and 3 months. Just before the crash, witnesses note that the car was veering onto the wrong side of the road at speeds of more than 80mph in a residential area. This implies that the driver had no regard for the safety of himself, his passengers or other road users before crashing the car into a tree, splitting the car in two.

The boy admitted five counts of causing death by dangerous driving when sentence by Judge Peter Collier QC. New legislation has increased the maximum penalty for this offence from 14 years to life imprisonment.

The car itself had been stolen earlier that day, before the 15 year old took charge of the vehicle and caused the death of the five individuals.
Due to the age of the driver, he has been sentenced with detention within a young offender’s institution for 4 and a half years. The court had no choice but to issue a custodial sentence because of the severity of the crime and the boy’s potential risk to the public.

Neil Sargeant, Duncan Lewis Motor Law specialist states:

“It’s easy to understand how members of the public, particularly the victims’ families can feel aggrieved at sentences when there has been such a tragic loss of life as in this case. We must not forget however that the driver, regardless of how reckless and dangerous his actions were, is still a youth and the sentence needs to take that into account.

“One of the main aims of the system is to not only punish offenders but also rehabilitate them. Whilst this will likely be little consolation to the families involve, all we can hope is that the time this offender serves will help him realise the gravity of his actions and prevent any offences in later life.”

Neil Sargeant is a Road Traffic specialist within the Duncan Lewis Crime Department, based in Harrow. For specialist advice please call Neil on 02031141145 or email him on neils@duncanlewis.com.

Neil has specialised in Road Traffic Law since 2008, establishing close working relationships with some of the country’s leading experts in this field and maintaining an outstanding record of client acquittals. His specialist expertise stretch across road traffic law, but are is most extensive in:

• Drink Driving (with breath, blood or urine samples);
• Drug Driving;
• Failing to provide a specimen for analysis whether this be breath, blood or urine;
• Being drunk in charge of a vehicle;
• Any type of road traffic case that involves a procedure conducted at hospital;
• Dangerous & Careless driving; and
• Cases involving a fatality.

Duncan Lewis Motor Law Solicitors

Recognised by the independent directory Chambers & Partners as a top tier criminal defence practice, Duncan Lewis’ Crime department has a wide selection of services with a highly skilled team of solicitors. Our services include Motoring Law, with particular expertise in drug and alcohol-related motoring offences. We can provide free and comprehensive legal advice on any motoring prosecution, regardless of the allegations.

It is crucial that you seek legal advice immediately, as an early opinion in your case can make a significant difference to the end result. Duncan Lewis Solicitors can be on hand to deal with whatever motoring law issue you may have.