A couple has been sentenced to a combined total of 13 years in prison for causing the death of a motorcyclist while driving dangerously at high speed. Justin Whelan, 33, and Kayleigh Grant, 37, struck and killed 62-year-old Kevin Jones on a 40mph road in Wanborough, Surrey, on 14 October 2023.
Details of the Incident
Whelan was driving a blue Ford Mondeo at 88mph when he lost control on a bend, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided with Mr. Jones, who died at the scene. Grant, in the front passenger seat, recorded Whelan on her phone and encouraged him to drive faster before the crash. Shockingly, Grant's four children, all aged 13 or under, were also in the car. A six-year-old child was sitting in the footwell behind Grant without a seatbelt or any restraint, as the car was only designed for five passengers.
Sentencing
At Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday, Whelan was jailed for nine years and four months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in August last year. Grant received a four-year sentence for abetting causing death by dangerous driving. Surrey Police emphasized the recklessness of the couple's actions, noting the presence of young children in the vehicle without proper safety measures.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of speeding and dangerous driving, with a family losing a loved one and children exposed to extreme risk. The court's decision reflects the severity of the offense and the need for accountability.
