A DANGEROUS driver from Pershore who was high on cocaine in an unroadworthy car has been sentenced today (January 15) to six years for killing a motorcyclist from Evesham and seriously injuring another.
Joshua Smith, 31, of Holloway was convicted at Worcester Crown Court of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit.
Her Honour Judge Gilmore sentenced him to six years and disqualified him from driving for eight years.
Smith had been driving at speed in his orange BMW 1 Series in the direction of Pershore away from junction 6 of the M5 on August 15 2024 when he lost control of the car and hit two motorcyclists travelling in the opposite direction.
There were wet conditions on the A4538 Pershore Lane where the fatal collision occurred and Smith’s BMW was later found to have dangerously defective tyres and brakes.
He lost control on a bend and entered the opposing carriageway where he collided with a red Triumph Bonneville motorbike, causing life-changing injuries to the rider.
Next he struck a grey Yamaha motorbike being ridden by 52-year-old father of three Andrew Hirons from Evesham who was thrown from his bike.
Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of emergency services, Mr Hirons was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith was found to be under the influence of cocaine while driving – testing positive in a roadside drugs swipe conducted after the collision, which was later confirmed in a blood toxicology report.
A forensic vehicle examiner found multiple dangerous faults with Smith’s car including the nearside rear outer brake pad being worn out, resulting in the metal backing plate rubbing on the rear disc.
It was noted this would cause a reduced brake performance and imbalance on the braking system meaning decreased stopping power, increased stopping distance and in some cases total brake failure.
Both rear tyres were defective and below the legal minimum required depth of 1.6mm.
Detective Sergeant Rose Hughes, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (South), said: “No sentence can ever compensate for the tragic loss of life in this case, but we hope that the term handed to Smith today will go some way to seeing justice done for Andrew’s family and friends.
“Smith showed a total disregard for the safety of the public when he drove his car under the influence of cocaine that day, driving in wet conditions with barely any tread on his tyres and worn-out brakes.
“We hope this sentence and the tragic outcome will teach a sobering lesson about the reason for not taking drugs before getting behind the wheel and how important it is to maintain your vehicle – especially the tyres and braking system.
She urges motorists to check tyre pressures and tread depths weekly and make sure cars are regularly serviced for the safety of all road users.
“It can be the difference between life and death as this case tragically shows,” she added.
