Speed Demon Jailed for Deadly Crash in Hastings
A reckless driver who hit speeds of up to 113mph on a Hastings road has been locked up for causing the death of a father-of-three. Ryan Selby, 23, showed “ludicrous” disregard for road safety when he smashed into Oli Paxton on the A259 Rye Road on March 9, 2021.
Maniacal Overtake Ends in Tragedy
Witnesses saw Selby aggressively overtake several vehicles near Rye, pushing his car to between 107mph and 113mph—nearly three times the 40mph limit. Without braking, he ploughed into Mr Paxton who was crossing the white cross-hatched zone. The impact killed Mr Paxton instantly.
Selby then stopped a short distance away. The victim’s family described Oli Paxton as a “beloved husband, wonderful father, and cherished friend.”
Seven-and-a-Half Years Behind Bars
At Lewes Crown Court on October 20, Selby, a factory worker from St Leonards, admitted causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison and banned from driving for eight years and three months.
Judge Christine Laing KC slammed Selby’s “flagrant disregard” for the rules of the road. She pointed out the incident happened in a residential area with two schools nearby and criticised his “utter disregard” for safety.
“Your driving was so appalling that other road users changed their route home so they wouldn’t encounter you.”
Family Pleads for Road Sense
Investigating officer Tudor Wells warned about the deadly impact of speeding. “Selby habitually drove recklessly and his actions had tragic consequences.” He urged all drivers to obey speed limits to keep roads safe.
Mr Paxton’s widow Jill spoke out after the verdict:
“Ryan Selby has received close to the maximum sentence for the crime he was tried for but no amount of time in prison will heal the wounds he has caused.”
“He showed a complete disregard for lives by speeding at 110mph in a 40mph zone. His reckless driving robbed me of my husband and my boys of their dad.”
“I hope this serves as a warning: a car can be a lethal weapon, and your actions can have unthinkable consequences.”
