Gorleston: Fatal Crash Driver Sentenced

A man who crashed a car into a brick wall killing a teenage boy in Caister has been detained in a young offender's institution.

18 year old Luke Barnes, of University Crescent, appeared at Norwich Crown Court today Monday 12 December after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

The charge related to an incident which happened shortly after midnight on 2 February 2011 in Caister High Street when a Ford Fiesta being driven by Barnes crashed into a wall.

The front passenger, 15-year-old Ryan Youngman, sadly died at the scene while Barnes and two other passengers were treated at the James Paget University Hospital.

The collision happened shortly after the car had failed to stop for police who were in the area responding to reports of a separate incident nearby.

Barnes was sentenced to four years and three months in a young offenders institution and disqualified from driving for four years.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks said: "This was a tragic incident which has affected many people and claimed the life of a teenage boy. Our thoughts remain with Ryan's family.

"This incident should serve as a warning to young drivers to ensure they consider the consequences of their actions when getting behind the wheel of a car.

"We continue to work closely with our partners in the Casualty Reduction Group to educate and increase awareness of road safety among young drivers."