Young Driver Cleared in Fiery Crash That Killed Two Bikers
Joshua Kempster Acquitted of Dangerous Driving
Joshua Kempster, 19, from Meon Valley, was cleared of dangerous driving charges over a deadly crash that killed two motorcyclists. The incident happened when Kempster, then 17, was driving a Ford Fiesta along the B3035 with a friend. Two men, Andrew Cuthbert, 58, and Gary Groves, 62, tragically lost their lives in the collision.
Kempster had previously pleaded guilty to careless driving, but prosecutors pursued the more serious charge of death by dangerous driving. However, on 15th July, a court found him not guilty of the dangerous driving counts.
High-Speed Drama on Blind Bend
The court heard Kempster overtook a Kia on a blind right-hand bend before swerving back, causing both vehicles to spin. The Kia then exploded in a fireball, engulfing one rider, while the other crashed trying to avoid the blazing wreckage.
Originally set for sentencing on careless driving charges related to the deaths, Kempster was discharged after a legal technicality emerged. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had never formally accepted his guilty pleas, rendering them invalid.
Judge Timothy Mousley QC ruled: “There has been no conviction on counts one or two and the authorities believe he must therefore be discharged. All this court can do is discharge him.”
The CPS is now reviewing how the case was handled.
Tributes Pour in for Andrew Cuthbert and Gary Groves
Both victims were passionately remembered by family and friends. Andrew Cuthbert’s son and daughter paid an emotional tribute:
“Our Dad absolutely lived for me and my sister and he was the best pop to his grandchildren who he adored more than anything. He never held a grudge and always made sure his family and friends came first. He loved playing football and music but his true passion was his motorbikes.
The hole he leaves won’t ever be filled. We just want to take everything he taught us to make sure we do him proud. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”
Gary Groves’ family also expressed their heartbreak:
“We just cannot believe we would ever be writing this. On Sunday 2 February our lives were torn to pieces with the horrific news we were to receive. As many of you now are already aware, the most loving, caring, funny, honest love of our lives was cruelly taken that evening.
Gary was the most loving husband, dad, grandad, brother, uncle, work colleague and treasured friend to many. He touched the hearts of so many people, the room would light up wherever he went.
He absolutely adored his four grandchildren, they were his world and he was their absolute rock. Gary’s passion for his bikes was immense, sharing many rides with his brother Mike and bike friends.
Gary will forever be with us and in our hearts. Heaven has gained the biggest angel but we have lost ours. Ride in peace, we love you xxxxx.”
