A man has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving in a tragic head-on collision in Dilton Marsh, Wiltshire.
Louis Tavener, 23, of Fell Road, Westbury, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 63-year-old Warwick Bayman, a retired pilot from Frome, as well as causing serious injuries to three others. Tavener was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on Monday, November 18, and must serve a minimum of two-thirds of his sentence in prison.
The Incident
The fatal crash occurred on April 11, 2023, on the A3098 near Chalcot Park Farm. Tavener was driving a BMW at speeds of up to 78 mph in wet conditions on a road with a 50 mph speed limit. He lost control of the vehicle and collided head-on with Mr Bayman’s car, which was travelling home in the opposite direction.
Mr. Bayman tragically died at the scene, just weeks before he was due to marry his fiancée. Tavener’s three passengers were also injured, including Jenson Moore, who sustained life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.
Victim’s Family Statement
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr. Bayman’s sister, Clare, said:
“The way in which my brother lost his life was slightly ironic. He was a commercial pilot, an HGV Class 1 driver, and a superbly skilled rally driver who had nothing to prove on the road. Yet, he was killed by a driver who was going too fast for his level of driving experience.
“Warwick’s family, fiancée, and friends will always remember him as one of the truly good guys. He will be greatly missed.”
Police Statement
Sergeant Rich Hatch of Wiltshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team condemned Tavener’s actions:
“Tavener’s reckless driving not only took the life of a respected man, but it also left a lasting impact on the lives of those injured and the families affected.
“Mr. Bayman was just weeks away from marrying his partner when Tavener’s dangerous actions stole their future together. This case serves as a stark warning of how one driver’s poor decisions can have life-altering consequences for many.
“We urge all drivers to recognize the risks of driving too fast in poor weather conditions. This tragedy could have been avoided if Tavener had made safer choices.”
Sentence and Consequences
In addition to his prison sentence, Tavener was banned from driving for 10 years and will be required to take an extended driving test upon regaining his license. The case took more than a year of investigation by Wiltshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, with the court recognizing the significant impact on the victims’ families.
This sentencing highlights the importance of adhering to road safety laws, especially in adverse conditions, to prevent future tragedies.
