THE three local men appearing in court following the death of teenager Max Lewis were all jailed this month after being sentenced at Swindon Crown Court.
Daniel Palmer, Connor Forrester and Julian Drew all received immediate custodial sentences at a hearing on Tuesday 6th October.
Daniel Palmer, 23, was driving the car in which 19 year-old Max Lewis was a passenger when he died in a crash last year. Palmer pleaded guilty to causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and a two year driving ban.
Connor Forrester, 19, was convicted of dangerous driving and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and a two year driving ban.
Julian Drew, 26, was convicted of disqualified driving and sentenced to four months imprisonment and an 18 month driving ban. Drew’s ban will begin on 21st October 2016 when his current disqualification expires.
Wiltshire Police Sergeant Barrie Card said, “The family of Max Lewis were quiet and dignified throughout the sentencing hearing, which must have been very difficult at times. They understand that whatever sentence had been imposed this would not have changed anything and that nothing will bring Max back.
“Max’s mum hopes that the custodial sentences imposed gives the three young men involved time to consider their actions that day which led to the death of her son.
“I would hope that this tragic incident has the effect of getting young men to think about the manner of their driving. Speed was a factor of this collision and I would hope that this may prompt others to consider their speed, particularly on country roads.
“This incident shows that driving too fast can have tragic consequences. I would also hope that this may deter others from driving if they have not got a driving licence or insurance, as in the case of both Drew and Forrester.”
The three were charged following a road traffic collision on Forest Lane in November last year. A car driven by Daniel Palmer – the only one of the three to hold a full driving licence – collided with a van, killing Seend teenager Max Lewis who was in the passenger seat.
