A reckless driver’s bragging about his car’s speed ended in tragedy when he lost control, causing a serious crash that left three passengers critically injured. Drew Philippidis, 25, had been drinking at a pub in Minchinhampton, Cotswolds, on August 9, 2024, where he proudly told onlookers he would demonstrate just how fast his Seat Leon could go.
Around 11:30 p.m., Philippidis left the pub with four passengers—two 17-year-olds and a woman in her 20s—who begged him repeatedly to slow down. CCTV footage shows the car speeding away from town, and a witness reported Philippidis nearly colliding with her vehicle. Moments later, he lost control at the junction of Butt Street and Cirencester Road, crashing into a wall.
Despite the severity of the crash, Philippidis fled the scene, leaving his badly injured passengers behind. Police launched an extensive search with a dog unit and helicopter before arresting him the following morning on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
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All four passengers were hospitalized, with three suffering serious injuries. One 17-year-old boy required extensive spinal surgery, which ended his aspirations of a professional rugby career. Another young passenger spent a week in intensive care after major spinal surgery to repair broken vertebrae. A third teenager described the harrowing moments before the crash, highlighting the driver’s reckless disregard for their safety.
In victim impact statements read at Gloucester Crown Court, the survivors recounted their terror as they pleaded for Philippidis to slow down. One passenger said, “The impact of the collision has been huge for me both mentally and physically. The fact that Philippidis ran away and didn’t call emergency services shows the type of person he is.” Another described enduring nightmares and flashbacks, explaining how the crash left lasting physical and psychological scars.
Philippidis declined to comment during police interviews. In May 2024, he was charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. On August 19, he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 34 months in prison. He was banned from driving for 47 months and must take an extended driving test before regaining his license.
Police officer PC Chris Horwood-Jones stated, “I hope this sentence brings some closure for the victims and highlights that reckless and dangerous driving will be met with serious consequences. This crash has caused irreversible damage to young lives.”