An uninsured driver who was high on cocaine and cannabis killed a six-year-old boy and two women in a 90mph crash.
Joe-Lewis Tyler drank five pints of beer and four Jagerbomb and Sambuca shots, as well as taking drugs, before getting behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series car.
The 34-year-old drove erratically at high speed before ploughing into a taxi in Spetchley Road, Worcester.
Six-year-old Leo Painter had just been picked up from nearby Abigail’s Place School when Tyler lost control and careered into the car at 3pm on Feb 22.
CCTV footage shows the moment the grey BMW hit the white Ford Mondeo with such force that it span 180 degrees and ended up on a grass verge.
Courtney Hemming, the taxi’s 26-year-old driver, and Claire Adkins, 39, who was escorting Leo to his foster home, died at the scene. Leo was taken to hospital, but died from multiple injuries the next day.
Tyler was arrested at the scene, and tests revealed that he had up to 215 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, with the legal limit being 80ml.
Tests also showed high levels of cocaine and cannabis in his system. He spent three weeks in hospital with a spinal injury and broken shin.
He admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, and on Monday was jailed for 18 years at Worcester Crown Court. He will be eligible for release after serving 12 years.
Friends and relatives of the three victims criticised the sentence. Luke Bridger, Ms Hemming’s partner, said: “The sentence is no deterrent to anyone. It’s a pathetic sentence. The police did a fantastic job getting the conviction, but the courts let the public down.”
A friend of Leo’s mother Gemma said: “What an absolute joke. Just 18 years, but probably only 12 – which is four years for each life he took. It should have been life. The poor little boy had his life cruelly taken away by this lowlife. This country is too soft – it’s disgusting.”
Gemma, 28, paid tribute to her “wonderful” son, saying: “I’m glad this is over. After a long five months he’s got justice, but it will never be enough. It will never bring that beautiful little boy of mine back. I hope he [Tyler] can live with the fact he killed three innocent people.”
She said she had been looking forward to Leo coming to live with her again, adding: “He always had a smile on his face and was a bundle of fun. I’m heartbroken that I won’t see him again.
“He loved Paw Patrol and I gave him a pair of pyjamas with his favourite characters on. He said he loved wearing ‘Mummy’s pyjamas’.”
Leo’s father Jason expressed his “anger and disgust” at Tyler’s actions and said the loss of his son had left “a massive void” in his life.
Judge James Burbidge KC told Tyler: “Your actions have had a devastating effect on the victims and the various family members who have suffered. It’s difficult to think of a worse piece of prolonged driving.”
Tyler also admitted three counts of causing death whilst driving without insurance, and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard he had been drinking with Miles Smith-Green, a friend, at the West Midlands Tavern in Worcester, winning £100 on the fruit machines.
The pair drank heavily and were told to leave the pub for being rowdy. They then got into the BMW and, not wearing seatbelts, drove at high speed towards Badsey, Evesham.
One driver who saw the car before the crash said it was travelling so fast that she was “fearful for her safety”, while another said she had a “near death experience” when Tyler almost hit her car at 100mph. Another said Tyler was “driving like an idiot” and had a “death wish”.
The court heard that Mr Smith-Green also suffered serious injuries, including a damaged spleen and dislocated hip.
Chief Inspector Andy Wortley, of West Mercia Police, said: “Tyler’s selfish and reckless actions have left the family and loved ones of Leo, Courtney and Claire forever heartbroken, and a whole community shaken. Despite pleading guilty, Tyler has not shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for his actions.”
