Teenager Sentenced for Fatal ‘Showing Off’ Incident
A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in a young offenders' institution after a car crash that killed his friend and seriously injured another. The incident occurred in Sheffield just one day after the driver had passed his driving test.
‘Truly Appalling’ Driving in 20mph Zone
Corey Cooper was behind the wheel of his grandfather's Fiat Grande Punto on 11 November 2023 when he lost control. Sheffield Crown Court heard that Cooper was driving at an estimated 53mph in a 20mph zone. Prior to the crash, he had been performing wheel spins and had ignored dashboard warning lights indicating a malfunction with the car's anti-lock braking system (ABS).
His passenger, 17-year-old Josh Atkins, was killed in the collision. Another friend, Gabe Wiggett, sustained serious injuries. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC described Cooper's actions as "truly appalling driving" and "deplorable," stating the tragedy was a direct result of showing off to friends.
A Family's Tragedy and a Call for Change
In a moving act of generosity following their loss, Josh Atkins' family donated his organs, which went on to save the lives of four people. In the wake of the sentencing, the family has publicly called for the UK government to implement a graduated driving licence system.
This system would place restrictions on newly qualified young drivers, such as limits on nighttime driving or the number of passengers they can carry, with the aim of preventing similar tragedies involving inexperienced motorists.
