A driver responsible for a ‘catastrophic collision’ that killed three teenagers has been jailed for more than nine years.
Joshua Chapman of Mosquito Court, Bedale, had already pleaded guilty at York Magistrates’ Court to causing the death by dangerous driving of Louis Banks, 17, Aaron Bell, 18 and Tommy Shevels, 18.
He was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court today (Thursday) to nine years and four months in prison, and banned from driving for four years after his release.
It happened at around 11pm on 29 July 2022. The three teenagers were passengers when Chapman, driving an Alfa Romeo, lost control and hit a tree as it travelled from Bedale to Masham along the B6268.
Louis, Aaron and Tommy all died at the scene.
Joshua Chapman, who was 18 at the time of the crash, also sustained serious injuries including multiple fractures and a head injury. He was hospitalised for a number of weeks and told police that he had no recollection of the incident.
Police investigators were able to show that the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed around the bends of the road.
A driver in front of Chapman’s car told police that the Alfa Romeo was following very close behind him, blaring its horn several times. It then overtook him when he stopped at a set of traffic lights, driving through while the lights were on red.
A short time later, that same motorist came across the scene of the devastating collision.
Sergeant Ed Drake, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team, said: “This was an absolute tragic and completely avoidable loss of three young lives.
“Joshua Chapman is now facing the consequences of his dangerous driving, but no sentence can ever compensate for the loss of Louis, Aaron and Tommy, the lives they would have lived and the pain their grieving families are going through.
“This catastrophic collision must serve as a lesson to everyone, particular young drivers, of the importance of being in control of your vehicle at all times.
“Driving within in the law, within your own capabilities and according to the road conditions is paramount in keeping you, your passengers and other road users safe.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Louis, Aaron and Tommy. I would also like to acknowledge and thank them for their immense patience and understanding during what has been a lengthy and traumatic investigation.”
