Horrifying moment ‘death wish’ driver high on drugs smashes into taxi at 90mph killing two women and six-year-old boy
THIS is the horrifying moment a “death wish” driver smashed into a taxi killing women and a boy.
Joe-Lewis Tyler, 34, got behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series after getting booted out a pub following a drinking binge with a friend.
Tyler, who was uninsured, drove erratically and at high speeds before ploughing into a taxi on the A44 on Spetchley Road in Worcester.
Six-year-old Leo Painter had just been picked up from school when Tyler smashed into the car just after 3pm on February 22 this year.
Taxi driver Courney Hemming, 26, and Claire Adkins, 39, who was escorting Leo to his foster home, died at the scene.
Leo was rushed to hospital but died of multiple injuries the next day.
Tyler was arrested at the scene and a test revealed he had up to 215 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood – the legal limit being 80ml.
An average reading showed he had 159ml – almost double the legal limit.
Blood tests also showed high levels of cocaine and cannabis in his system.
Tyler, who spent three weeks in hospital after suffering a broken shin and having spinal surgery, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
On Monday (5/8) he was jailed for 18 years at Worcester Crown Court.
Judge James Burbidge KC said Tyler had been “racing himself”, adding: “It’s difficult to think of a worse piece of prolonged driving.”
Tyler also admitted three counts of causing death whilst driving without insurance and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard Tyler has been drinking with pal Miles Smith-Green in the West Midlands Tavern in Worcester, winning £100 on the fruit machines.
The pair drank five pints of lager and four shots of Sambuca and Jagerbombs before being told to leave the pub for being rowdy.
They then got into the BMW and, without wearing seatbelts, drove at high speed towards Badsey, Evesham, Worcs.
One driver said he was travelling so fast she was “fearful for her safety” while another said Tyler almost hit her car at 100mph.
She described the terrifying near-miss as a “near death experience”.
Another said Tyler was “driving like an idiot” and had a “death wish”.
The court heard his passenger Mr Smith-Green also suffered serious injuries including a damaged spleen and dislocated hip.
Simon Phillips, prosecuting, said Tyler “didn’t know how the accident occurred” and denied driving dangerously.
Adam Western, defending, said Tyler, who had a six-year-old daughter, recognised “he was to blame for the devastation he caused”.
He said: “I make it plain, the only victims are the people killed or injured and their loved ones.”
Leo’s heartbroken mum Gemma, 28, had previously told how she was looking forward to her son living with her again months before he died.
After the sentencing, she said: “I’m glad this is over after a long five 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 [Tyler] can live with the fact he killed three innocent people.”
Leo’s dad, Jason, expressed his “anger and disgust” at Tyler’s actions adding the loss of his son had left “a massive void” in his life.
Chief Inspector Andy Wortley, of West Mercia Police, 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.”