Driver jailed for causing student’s death after using city centre as racetrack

Joshua Gregory, a 28-year-old driver, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for causing the death of 31-year-old postgraduate student Oshada Jayasundera. Gregory was driving at speeds in excess of 80mph in a 30mph zone, treating the city centre roads as a racetrack while being pursued by police. He drove through a red light and hit Jayasundera, who was crossing the road with friends, in the early hours of December 13. Gregory had taken a Ford Focus ST from his workplace without permission and was not insured to drive it.

After being spotted by police at 3:10 am, Gregory fled, accelerating away from the officers through the city streets. He was pursued by other officers after turning down a one-way street, reaching speeds of 78 mph along the streets. Jayasundera, who was returning from a party with his friends, was hit as he crossed a pedestrian crossing, propelled 46 meters by the force of the collision. Gregory did not stop at the scene but collided with a traffic light shortly after and ran from the car. He was caught by officers who found him intoxicated and chased as he resisted a breathalyser test.

Gregory pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and expressed great shame and sorrow in a letter to the court. His defence stated that he had a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mr Jayasundera’s family expressed the profound impact of the loss on their lives, suffering every moment for years to come. The judge sentenced Gregory to nine years in prison and ordered a disqualification from driving for seven-and-a-half years upon release. Nottinghamshire Police, who were involved in the pursuit, referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which found that the officers acted appropriately.

The court heard that Gregory had taken the Ford Focus ST without permission from his employer and was not insured to drive the vehicle, which had already been sold. When police spotted him and turned on their blue lights, Gregory accelerated away, leading officers on a dangerous pursuit. He drove at high speeds through city streets, reaching 78 mph in a 30 mph zone, where he struck and killed Jayasundera as he crossed the road. Gregory fled the scene, collided with a traffic light, and resisted officers before being captured.

Mr Jayasundera’s family expressed the lasting impact of the loss on their lives, suffering every moment for years to come. Gregory, who showed remorse in a letter to the court, was diagnosed with PTSD. The judge sentenced him to nine years in prison and a disqualification from driving for seven-and-a-half years upon release. Nottinghamshire Police referred themselves to the IOPC, which concluded that the officers involved acted appropriately during the pursuit. The tragic death of Jayasundera serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road.