Josh Atkins: Driver who caused death crash killing teen 24 hours after passing test to learn fate today
A teen driver who caused the death of one passenger, and left another seriously injured, in crash that occurred just a day after he passed his test is set to learn his fate when he is sentenced later today.
Josh Atkins, aged 17, died after the car he was a passenger in was involved in a collision on Myers Grove Lane, Stannington, in November 2023.
The driver of the Fiat Grand Punto, Corey Owen Cooper, who was then also aged 17, had only passed his test the day before.
Cooper, now 19, pleaded guilty to causing Josh’s death by dangerous driving, along with a second charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, in August 2025.
His sentencing hearing is set to take place at Sheffield Crown Court this afternoon (Friday, November 7, 2025).
Speaking after Cooper entered his pleas, The Recorder of Sheffield, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, told the teen custody is “almost an inevitability,” and to prepare himself for prison.
“It is almost - as night follows day - [a certainty] that you will be sent into custody. The only issue for me to determine is for how long,” Judge Richardson said in August.
The hearing heard how Cooper had carried out “doughnut” manoeuvres in the vehicle, whilst in a car park, prior to the crash taking place.
Cooper had also been travelling in excess of the 20 miles per hour speed limit (mph) at speeds in between “47mph at best and 53mph at worst” around half a mile from the site of the crash. His exact speed at the time of the crash is not known, however.
The offence of causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for offences committed after June 28, 2022, with sentences between two and 22 years’ custody typically passed down.
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving has a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, with a sentencing range running from 26 weeks to five years’ custody.
Following Josh’s death, he gave the gift of life to four others through organ donation.
Scores of Josh’s loved ones came together at Hillsborough Park for a memorial walk last November, while raising money for charity.
Speaking at the time, Josh’s auntie, Claire Chapman, told The Star: “It was a great afternoon, even with the rain. We all loved to see to see so many of Josh’s friends turn out for him.
“I think it was a day of remembrance and reflection rather than sadness.”
“Thank you to everyone who came out to remember him,” said his aunt.