Driver jailed after colliding with council workers and filming himself reaching 110mph
The Benfleet man will spend 20 months in jail
A man who filmed himself driving at speeds of more than 100mph before crashing into three council workers on ride-on lawnmowers has been jailed.
Kurtis Walters, from Oak Walk in Benfleet, lost control of his car at dangerous speeds in Southend in April 2024.
The 26-year-old came round a corner on Royal Artillery Way – which has a speed limit of 50mph – and was unable to stop.
Two of the workers were seriously injured and have been permanently impacted because of the collision.
The three men, who were working for Southend-on-Sea City Council, were travelling on the driveable lawnmowers in convoy in lane one of the dual carriageway.
Walters told police that he had been driving at 70mph and that he hit the brakes when he saw the lawnmowers. He claimed that he must have "locked the brakes up" before he collided with them.
Police discovered a video on his phone, which showed the car's speedometer reaching speeds of 110mph in the moments before the collision.
Walters was charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He admitted these offences when he appeared at Basildon Magistrates Court in March 2026.
On Thursday 16 July Walters, of Oak Walk, Benfleet, was jailed for 20 months by the judge at Basildon Crown Court. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and 10 months and will have to take an extended test at the end of this period.
Investigating officer PC Nicole Plom said: "Over the past two years, we have worked closely to support the victims of this collision, who were simply going about their daily work when their lives were changed forever.
“We are pleased with the sentence handed down by the court and hope it serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that dangerous driving and speeding can have, not only on the victims but also on their families and loved ones.
“No sentence can undo the harm that has been caused, but we hope this outcome provides the victims with a sense of justice and allows them to move forward following years of pain, recovery, and uncertainty."
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for Civic Pride, at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "Two members of our parks team were seriously injured while carrying out their duties, and the impact has been felt by them, their families and friends and colleagues ever since. We welcome the conclusion of this case, thank Essex Police and the emergency services for their professionalism throughout, and remain committed to supporting our colleagues in their continued recovery and rehabilitation."