Fatal Crash on Swale Way: Driver Behind Wheel on Provisional Licence
Stuart Powell, 34, of Miller Close, Kemsley, was driving his wife’s car on 12 May 2021 when he pulled out on the B2005 Swale Way, near Milton Creek fishing lake, and collided with a motorcyclist.
Mobile Phone Use and Lies After Deadly Smash
Powell held only a provisional licence and was using his mobile phone at the time of impact. The motorcyclist died from his injuries, while his pillion passenger was seriously hurt.
Two passing Police Community Support Officers saw the aftermath and told Powell to stay. Instead, he fled the scene and called his partner, Carly Powell.
Wife Falsely Claims Car Stolen as Cover-Up Unravels
Shortly after the call, Carly Powell, 36, also of Miller Close, lied to police, claiming the car had been stolen. The next day, Stuart Powell handed himself in but falsely said he’d lost his mobile phone.
Officers later found the phone, which had been factory reset days before. It showed he had been using it at the time of the crash.
Jail for Dangerous Driver and Suspended Sentence for Wife
Powell was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and two counts of perverting the course of justice – all of which he admitted. Carly Powell pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.
On Wednesday 5 July 2023, Maidstone Crown Court sentenced Stuart Powell to five years and 10 months in prison, with half to be served, plus a seven-year driving ban upon release. Carly Powell received an eight-month suspended sentence over two years.
Detective Constable David Holmes of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
“Stuart Powell should never have been behind the wheel, let alone driving and using his mobile phone. His actions caused a man to lose his life, leaving his family to mourn.
“The Powells lied to Kent Police and tried to avoid blame by claiming the car was stolen, when Stuart was fully responsible.
“Nothing can bring back the victim, but I hope this sentence offers justice and helps the family find closure.”
