Driver who killed motorcyclist after taking cocaine jailed
The collision also left another motorcyclist with life-changing injuries
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
A 31-year-old man has been jailed for six years after killing a motorcyclist and seriously injuring another while driving under the influence of cocaine.
Joshua Smith, from Holloway, Pershore, was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court today (15th January) after being convicted of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the legal limit.
Smith had been driving at speed in his orange BMW 1 Series in the direction of Pershore away from junction 6 of the M5 on 15 August 2024 when he lost control of the car and hit two motorcyclists travelling in the opposite direction.
There were wet conditions on the A4538 Pershore Lane where the fatal collision occurred and Smith’s BMW was later found to have dangerously defective tyres and brakes.
He lost control on a bend and entered the opposing carriageway where he collided with a red Triumph Bonneville motorbike, causing life-changing injuries to the ride
Andrew Hirons, a 52-year-old father and grandfather from Evesham, was riding a grey Yamaha motorbike when Smith’s car struck him, throwing him from his bike.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Mr Hirons was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith tested positive for drugs at the roadside, with a blood toxicology report confirming he was over the legal limit for cocaine.
A forensic vehicle examination revealed Smith’s BMW was in a dangerous condition, with multiple defects including worn-out brakes and tyres below the legal tread depth.
It was noted this would cause a reduced brake performance and imbalance on the braking system meaning decreased stopping power, increased stopping distance and in some cases total brake failure.
In wet or slippery road conditions this would give significantly less grip and could have a contributory factor in the collision, a report said.
Her Honour Judge Gilmore sentenced Smith to six years in prison and disqualified him from driving for eight years.
Detective Sergeant Rose Hughes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, who led the investigation, said:
“No sentence can ever compensate for the tragic loss of life in this case, but we hope that the term handed to Smith today will go some way to seeing justice done for Andrew’s family and friends.
“We hope this sentence and the tragic outcome will teach a sobering lesson about the reason for not taking drugs before getting behind the wheel and how important it is to maintain your vehicle – especially the tyres and braking system.
“Please check your tyre pressures and tread depths weekly and make sure your car is regularly serviced too for the safety of all road users. They really can be the difference between life and death as this case tragically shows.”