Family's heartbreak after motorcyclist killed by speeding driver on 20th birthday
“This was a ghastly error of judgment,” a judge told a speeding driver who killed a young motorcyclist while attempting to overtake three vehicles.
Jack Garwell is believed to have been doing at least 75 mph on the wrong side of the road when he ploughed into Alexander Anderson.
Alexander suffered catastrophic injuries, and sadly died at the scene on High Levels Bank in Thorne, Doncaster, which has a 60mph limit. Tragically, he turned 20 that day.
As he sentenced Garwell, aged 24, The Recorder of Sheffield Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, said it was clear Alexander was much-loved by his family.
Judge Richardson continued: “He was much-liked by his friends.”
“An enormous void has been left in the lives of his family and friends by his death.”
The court heard how Alexander had trained in the Royal Navy but after leaving the service he had pursued a career as a mechanic.
“He had his whole life ahead of him, but as a consequence of your truly deplorable driving, he lost his life and you must be punished,” Judge Richardson told Garwell.
Garwell, is thought to have been travelling at 75mph as he attempted to overtake three vehicles, meaning he was at least 15mph over the speed limit when he caused the collision.
It occurred in a “pitch black” section of road with no street lighting, the court heard.
Appearing in the dock dressed in a green and navy checked shirt and black trousers, Garwell looked down at the floor during several parts of this afternoon’s Sheffield Crown Court sentencing hearing.
Judge Richardson KC, described Garwell’s “highly dangerous” and ultimately fatal, overtaking manoeuvre as a “ghastly error of judgment.”
Jailing him for three years, six months, Judge Richardson said: “You overtook when you never should have done so. You overtook three vehicles.
“It was a straight road, it was exceptionally dark, there was no street lighting. You had approximately 12 seconds to see the vehicle coming in the opposite direction on this straight road, emerging as it did from a dip.
“Instead of staying where you were, and not executing the manoeuvre, you carried on...you took an egregious risk in overtaking when you did.”
Judge Richardson described Garwell, who prior to the crash worked as a vehicle technician, as an “ordinary, decent young man,” who, but for this episode, would be living a respectable life.
“But you committed a serious crime of this kind, and I’m therefore required to send you to prison.
“I know this will fall hard upon you,” he said.
Judge Richardson added, however: “It’s also very hard for Alexander Anderson’s family. He died on his 20th birthday.
“You will have a life ahead of you after you’ve been punished.”
He stressed that all human life is of “infinite value,” and the sentence passed down is not intended as a judgment on Alexander’s life, but of Garwell’s criminality.
Garwell, then aged 22, was on his way to spend a “date night” with his girlfriend at the time of the crash. She was front seat passenger.
Garwell, of Hilton Avenue, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.
Defending, Robert Bryan said Garwell has demonstrated his “considerable remorse,” through his guilty plea, comments to the author of his pre-sentence report and his letters to the court.
Mr Bryan told the court that he had recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and suggested a custodial environment would prove more difficult for him.
Following his guilty plea, Garwell’s employment was terminated.
Mr Bryan detailed how, in addition to losing the household’s main source of income, Garwell’s girlfriend has been signed off work due to the stress of the ordeal and court proceedings.
Passing sentence, Judge Richardson said he had considered Garwell’s young age, “potent” mitigation and the delay in the case, when determining the appropriate prison term to pass down.
He also banned Garwell from driving for five years, with an extension of 21 months to reflect the amount of time he is likely to spend in custody.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Serious Collisions Unit sergeant John Taylor said: “Our thoughts remain with Alexander’s family, friends and everyone who knew him.
“Garwell made a decision that has devastated lives, including his own as he will now serve time in prison.
“Poor judgement and a dangerous overtake cost an innocent man his life.
“A couple of minutes, arriving late at wherever you’re heading to is not worth risky and irresponsible driving. You think it won’t happen to you, but it can happen to anyone, and you will be held responsible for your actions.
“I hope today’s sentencing brings closure to Alexander’s loved ones.”