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John Andrew Smith Jailed for 11 Years Over Fatal 2023 Head-On Crash

His sentence underscores the legal consequences of driving without a licence or insurance after a deadly collision.

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Overview

  • A York Crown Court judge handed Smith an 11-year prison term on July 8, crediting his May guilty plea for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving.
  • Smith ran a red light and misjudged an overtake on the A645 Weeland Road near Eggborough on June 17, 2023, triggering the head-on collision.
  • His friend and passenger, 28-year-old Ryan Lee, was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other motorist suffered critical injuries requiring multiple operations.
  • Detective Constable Richard Grey said the crash left families devastated and highlighted Smith’s disregard for the safety of others after witnesses described his driving as "appalling."
  • The case has spurred community tributes and fundraising efforts and drawn renewed attention to enforcing basic road safety laws.