Father-of-Three Killed by Dangerous Driver Doing 110mph in Hastings
A reckless driver who hit ludicrous speeds of over 110mph has been jailed for causing the death of a dad-of-three in Hastings.
Heartless Speeding on A259 Ends in Tragedy
Ryan Selby, 23, showed “flagrant disregard” for road rules on March 9, 2021, racing along the A259 Rye Road near Hastings. Witnesses saw him overtaking cars aggressively, clocking speeds between 107mph and 113mph — nearly three times the 40mph limit.
At a white cross-hatched pedestrian area, Selby slammed into Oli Paxton, a beloved father crossing the road. Selby didn’t brake. Paxton died instantly at the scene. Selby carried on a short distance before stopping.
Judge Slams Selby’s ‘Utter Disregard’ for Safety
At Lewes Crown Court, Selby, a St Leonards factory worker, admitted causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to seven and a half years behind bars and banned from driving for over eight years.
Judge Christine Laing KC blasted: “Your utter disregard is staggering. You chose to drive at grossly excessive speeds in a residential area with schools nearby. Other drivers even changed their routes to avoid you.”
The court heard that Selby failed to slow down despite the low sun causing glare, breaching Highway Code Rule 237 which warns drivers to slow or stop if dazzled by sunlight.
Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute as Police Warn of Speed Risks
“This was never about justice – there isn’t justice for what we’ve lost,” said Paxton’s wife Jill. “No prison sentence will heal the wounds Ryan Selby caused by speeding at 110mph in a 40mph zone. Oli was a devoted husband and fun-loving father who can never be replaced.”
“I hope Ryan is haunted by this and never again puts others in danger. Oli’s death must remind everyone that speeding kills.”
Sussex Police urged drivers to stick to speed limits, warning that excessive speed remains one of the top killers on UK roads.
Serious Collision Investigator Tudor Wells added: “Selby’s reckless driving had tragic, devastating consequences that should remind all motorists to drive safely.”
