A 34-year-old man has today (5 August) been jailed after three people, including a six-year-old boy, were killed in a collision earlier this year.
Joe-Lewis Tyler, of no fixed abode, appeared at Worcester Crown court this afternoon where he was sentenced to 18 years.
He pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing death whilst driving without insurance and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
In February, Leo Painter who was six and Courtney Hemming, 26 , and Claire Adkins, 39, died after the car driven by Tyler collided with their vehicle on the A44 Spetchley Road in Worcester.
West Mercia Police’s investigation found Tyler had spent the afternoon drinking before driving at speeds in excess of 90mph on a road with a speed limit of 50mph.
Chief Inspector Andy Wortley said: “Tyler’s selfish and reckless actions on the afternoon of the 22 February have left the family and loved ones of Leo, Courtney and Claire forever heartbroken and a whole community shaken.
“The length of the sentence he has been given is unprecedented and reflects the devastation he brought to so many people when he got behind the wheel on that day and I’m pleased he will now serve a considerable time in prison. Despite pleading guilty Tyler has not shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for his actions.
“While today’s sentence is welcomed, the pain and suffering the loss of three lives has caused is immeasurable and our thoughts and condolences are with family and loved ones at such a difficult time.
The sentence followed an investigation by West Mercia Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
Ch Insp Wortley added: “Officers within our Serious Collision Investigation Unit carried out diligent enquiries, leaving no stone unturned, to submit a case against Tyler that left him no other option than to plead guilty and I would like to thank everyone in the team for their professionalism, compassion and commitment to bringing this man to justice in such a difficult case.”
The families of Leo, Courtney and Claire have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Leo’s mum, Gemma said: “I’m glad this is over after a long 5 months he’s got justice, but it will never be enough it will never bring that beautiful little boy of mine back. I hope he can live with the fact he killed 3 innocent people.”
Leo’s dad, Jason, has expressed his anger and disgust at the actions of Tyler on the day of the collision and the massive void its left in his life at the loss of Leo.
Courtney’s mum, Michelle, said: “Justice has been served but that doesn’t change things for us. We will forever miss our beautiful cousin Claire and my daughter Courtney. Little Leo will always be looked after by those girls as they loved him, if it wasn’t for him I don’t think either of them would have stayed in their job. I just wish today’s outcome could bring them back.”
Claire’s family would like to thank everyone who was involved in the case and said: “No amount of sentence will ever be enough, because as a family we are heartbroken, and our lives have been destroyed. Claire’s life was taken away too soon, no amount of time will ever fix our broken hearts.”
