Newly Licensed Driver Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Causing Death of Two Passengers

Owain Hammett-George, a 19-year-old from Birchgrove, Swansea, was sentenced to six years in jail by Swansea Crown Court for causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Three months after passing his driving test, he crashed his car at speeds of up to 78mph in a 30mph zone, resulting in the deaths of two friends, Ben Rogers and Kaitlyn Davies, and life-changing injuries to Casey Thomas. The court heard that Hammett-George had a history of speeding, and his father had taken the blame for a previous offense to avoid him getting points on his license.

Judge Geraint Walters emphasized that Hammett-George had been driving at “grossly excessive speeds” when he lost control of his car, resulting in the tragic deaths of his friends. The judge expressed the view that Hammet-George was immature, overindulged by his parents, and not ready to be entrusted with a motor vehicle. The court also heard that Hammett-George’s father had previously taken responsibility for a speeding offense committed by his son just after passing his test, highlighting the lack of readiness and responsibility on the part of the young driver.

The judge raised concerns about whether newly qualified drivers should be allowed to carry passengers immediately after passing their tests, suggesting that the government may need to consider implementing restrictions in such cases. The court heard that Hammett-George had picked up two of his friends from work before the fatal crash, and all three were ejected from the vehicle upon impact. The scene of the crash was described as one of “utter devastation,” with the vehicle unrecognizable and the injuries sustained by the victims unsurvivable.

Messages found on Hammett-George’s phone revealed warnings from family members about his reckless driving behavior, with one message expressing concern that he was putting everyone at risk. Victim personal statements from the families of the deceased highlighted the devastating impact of the crash on their lives. Carla King, the mother of Ben Rogers, described him as kind and full of good advice, while Kimberley Davies, the mother of Kaitlyn Davies, remembered her daughter as vibrant and bubbly. Casey Thomas, the surviving victim, detailed the serious injuries she sustained and the lasting psychological effects of the collision.

Hammett-George’s representative, Alex Greenwood, expressed the deepest remorse on behalf of his client, who acknowledged the tragedy and expressed a desire to turn back time. The court heard that the defendant’s actions had caused irreparable harm to the families of the victims and left a lasting impact on the survivor. The judge’s sentencing highlighted the consequences of dangerous driving at high speeds and the need for young drivers to approach the responsibility of driving with caution and maturity.