Driver jailed for high-speed crash that injured Southend council workers
Kurtis Walters has been sentenced after filming himself driving at 110mph
A driver who filmed himself reaching speeds of over 100mph before crashing into three council workers has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Kurtis Walters, 26, lost control of his Audi A3 while driving dangerously in Southend in April 2024.
The collision occurred on Royal Artillery Way, with a speed limit of 50mph, as Walters was unable to stop after rounding a corner.
Two of the council workers, who were travelling on ride-on lawnmowers in convoy, suffered serious injuries with lasting impacts.
In an interview, Walters claimed he was driving at 70mph and that he had been braking upon seeing the lawnmowers, attributing the crash to "locking the brakes."
An examination of his mobile phone revealed video evidence showing speeds of 110mph moments before the incident.
Walters, from Oak Walk, Benfleet, was charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and admitted the offences at Basildon Magistrates Court in March 2026.
Two years after the incident, he was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court and received a driving ban for two years and 10 months, with an extended test required thereafter.
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for Civic Pride, acknowledged the severe impact the collision had on the workers and expressed gratitude to Essex Police and emergency services for their professionalism.
"We remain committed to supporting our colleagues in their continued recovery and rehabilitation," Nevin said.
Investigating officer PC Nicole Plom noted the lasting implications of the crash for the victims and their families.
"We hope this outcome provides the victims with a sense of justice and allows them to move forward," Plom stated, highlighting the consequences of dangerous driving.
The court's decision serves as a reminder of the risks posed by speeding, not only to victims but also to their loved ones.