A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving when his passenger died following a collision near Weston-super-Mare.
Matthew McGrath, from Winscombe, North Somerset, lost control of the Toyota Avensis he was driving along Kewstoke Road on the evening of 26 August 2024. The crash occurred at approximately 9.50pm.
Emily Jordan, aged 20 and from Weston-super-Mare, was a rear-seat passenger in the vehicle at the time. Despite wearing a seatbelt, she sustained severe injuries and tragically passed away on 1 September 2024, Avon and Somerset Police confirmed.
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Witnesses reported that McGrath was driving at a speed of around 60 miles per hour in a 25 mph limit area. Although the exact speed could not be determined, expert evidence confirmed that McGrath’s ability to drive safely was impaired due to alcohol consumption prior to the journey.
At Bristol Crown Court on 14 August, McGrath was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and six months and mandated to pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
His Honour Judge Martin Picton criticised McGrath for choosing to drink alcohol before and during the drive, despite knowing he would be behind the wheel. The judge noted that McGrath had previously boasted about speeding on social media, showing a disregard for road safety. The court heard that McGrath was familiar with the road and had expressed enjoyment in driving on it, contributing to the excessive speed leading to the accident.
Judge Picton acknowledged Emily’s joyous nature and the profound loss experienced by her family, stating they face a “life sentence of grieving.”
Emily Jordan’s family released a statement remembering her as “kind, vibrant and full of life” with a future cut short by a “senseless act of dangerous driving.” They expressed gratitude that the justice system recognised the consequences of McGrath’s actions, affirming that Emily will always be loved and missed.
Sergeant Emma Ling, from the serious collision investigation team, remarked on the devastating impact of Emily’s death on her family, emphasising that no sentence can fully ease their pain. She highlighted that McGrath admitted to consuming “a couple of pints” before driving and claimed to be unaware of his speed.
Sergeant Ling stressed that speeding and driving under the influence remain leading causes of serious collisions, collectively known as part of the Fatal Five. She lamented that these preventable incidents continue to occur despite widespread awareness. McGrath’s reckless behaviour endangered both his passengers and other road users, with fatal consequences.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by drink driving and excessive speed, emphasising the importance of responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent further tragedies.