Overview
- Joshua Smith, 31, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court to six years in prison and banned from driving for eight years by Judge Gilmore.
- He was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and driving over the specified cocaine limit.
- On August 15, 2024, Smith lost control on a bend on the A4538 Pershore Lane, first striking a Triumph Bonneville and severely injuring rider Suzanne Rooney before hitting Andrew Hirons’ Yamaha.
- Hirons, a 52-year-old father and retained firefighter from Evesham, was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead at the scene.
- Police cited a positive roadside drugs test later confirmed by blood toxicology, dangerously worn brakes, illegal rear tyre tread depths, and wet conditions, as DS Rose Hughes urged motorists to avoid drug-driving and maintain tyres and brakes; widow Tracey Hirons described a profound family loss.