A 19-year-old motorcycle rider, Jack Sheppard, has been sentenced to 21 months in a young offenders’ institution for causing serious injuries by dangerous driving during the Barcombe bonfire celebrations. The incident, which occurred on November 19, 2022, saw Sheppard riding at an excessive speed in a road closure intended for pedestrian safety.
The annual event, which draws crowds for its spectacular fireworks display, turned perilous when Sheppard, a resident of Spithurst Road in Barcombe, struck a group of pedestrians on the High Street at approximately 10:20 pm. Despite the usual speed limit being 30mph when the road is open, Sheppard was estimated to be travelling at 40mph in the restricted area.
During the proceedings at Lewes Crown Court on April 22, it was revealed that the road closures were marked, with Sheppard himself having attended the event before the accident. In addition to his detention, Sheppard has been disqualified from driving or riding for two years and ten months, underscoring the severity of his actions.
Investigating officer Tudor Wells from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This collision left one woman unconscious with serious, life-changing injuries.
“Another woman also had to be taken to hospital, and three other people sustained minor injuries.
“It should have been obvious to Sheppard that road closures were in place and he should not have been riding. He posed a danger to many people walking home in the village from bonfire night.
“It demonstrates the dangers of motorists travelling at excess speed, and Sheppard was lucky not to have caused even more serious harm or a fatality.”
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