Drug Driver Sentenced to 13.5 Years for Fatal Crash That Killed Brother and Nephew
Michael Webb, a 35-year-old from South Shields, has been jailed for 13 and a half years after pleading guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. The tragic incident occurred on August 30 last year when Webb, driving while four times the drug drive limit, lost control of his Skoda Octavia and crashed into a tree, resulting in the deaths of his brother, Peter Webb, 40, and Peter's 12-year-old son, Ben.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The court heard that Webb was attempting to undertake a BMW on John Reid Road in South Shields, a road with a 40mph speed limit, at an estimated speed of 73mph. Witnesses reported his speed as between 70mph and 90mph, with one describing it as crazy dangerous. Webb applied emergency braking when he realized the BMW driver was indicating to move into the inside lane, but he lost control, hitting a lamppost and then a tree. The impact was so severe that the car tore in two, killing Peter Webb, who was in the front passenger seat wearing a seatbelt, and propelling Ben, who was in the back seat, into the carriageway.
Family's Heartbreaking Testimony
Ashleigh Webb, Peter's wife and Ben's mother, tearfully addressed the court, stating that no sentence will ever be long enough for the destruction caused. She described her horror when police arrived at her home to inform her of the crash, initially believing her children were safe in bed, only to realize Ben was with his father. Mrs. Webb highlighted that Webb had not apologized and had shown a complete lack of remorse, evidenced by online images of him smoking cannabis and drinking while on bail. She recalled previous instances where she felt terrified as a passenger in his car, asking him to slow down, but he would just laugh and continue.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Tim Gittins told Webb that he should have been nowhere near the driving seat of any vehicle, especially one carrying passengers. The judge emphasized that the tragedy was entirely avoidable and banned Webb from driving for 15 years and five months, requiring an extended driving test before he can drive again. Prosecuting, Emma Dowling noted that Webb had a very low alcohol level but was more than double the limit for cocaine and four times the limit for its breakdown product, Benzoylecgonine (BZE).
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case underscores the severe consequences of drug-impaired driving, not only in legal terms but also in the profound emotional toll on families. The BMW driver involved in the incident reported being shocked by Webb's actions, with his pregnant partner screaming as she witnessed the crash. The community in South Shields has been left reeling from the loss, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and the need for stricter enforcement against impaired driving.
