Court rules Pateley Bridge crash "unavoidable" in teen's death
Bailey Chadwick died in July last year
Joseph Henry Stott, a 25-year-old man from Darley, has been sentenced for driving offences following the tragic death of teenager Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire.
At Harrogate Magistrates Court, Stott pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drink. He had previously admitted to driving uninsured.
Bailey died after the collision on the B6265 at Lupton Bank, between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses in the early hours of the 20th July 2025.
The court heard that the 19-year-old Bailey was lying in the road when struck, with lawyers describing the collision as "unavoidable," asserting that even a careful driver could not have prevented the crash.
Evidence shown in Court showed Stott out with friends the night prior, with multiple witnesses claiming he was intoxicated.
The prosecutor disclosed that Bailey appeared in CCTV footage from pubs before the incident, and a garage attendant noted he was drunk and slurring words.
Stott's defence argued he was unaware he had hit Bailey, describing his decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated as an "immature and spontaneous act."
The defence also added that he had "no idea that he has passed over the body of Bailey Chadwick", arguing Bailey was only visible at a distance of 55m meaning he only had three seconds to decide what to do.
Stott has avoided prison time and has been handed a community order.
The 25-year-old must carry out 135 of unpaid work over the next year, and has also been banned from driving for 20 months.
He's also been given strict restrictions which means he is forbidden from drinking alcohol for the next 80 days, and must wear an alcohol tag.
"An amazing person".
In a tribute released after his death Bailey's family said: “Bailey was such an amazing person who loved spending time with his family and friends.
“He enjoyed travelling and going on holiday with his mates. He was due to head off to Thailand...
“Bailey was into music and was learning to play the guitar.
“Going to horse racing with his friends was also one of his favourite things to do, but it was football that he really loved – he was a huge Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
In court today his Mum read an emotional victim impact statement where she spoke of Bailey's kindness, humour, and strong work ethic, describing him as having been full of life, hope, and potential.
She told the Court "My world has been shattered" and said her family had been broken by Bailey's death.