Two young drivers sentenced after high speed racing crash in Hastings
The engine found 50 metres away due to the force of impact
Two men, both aged 20, have been sentenced for dangerous driving following a high-speed car race on the A271 near Battle, that ended in a serious crash.
The incident happened on the evening of 3rd March 2024, when a Vauxhall Corsa struck a tree at high speed, with the engine found 50 metres away due to the force of impact.
The vehicle’s speedometer was locked out at 86mph.
The driver of the Corsa, Miller Watts of Catsfield, was badly injured, suffering a fractured skull among other injuries.
Another driver, Charlie Young from Stone Cross, was involved despite not being directly in the collision.
Both were charged with dangerous driving and pleaded guilty in Hastings Magistrates' Court on 27th April.
Watts and Young received 12-month community orders and 120 hours of unpaid work.
They are also banned from driving for 12 months, ordered to pay £199 in court costs, and must take an extended re-test to drive again.
Investigating officer PC Steve Kimber said:
“Our roads are designed to enable motorists to get from A to B; they are not designed to be used as a race track. Doing so can lead to devastating consequences, and it’s extremely fortunate neither of the drivers – nor any other innocent road users – were killed or seriously injured in this case.
Speeding is one of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, and this sort of behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated.
The fact that both drivers must take an extended re-test should they wish to drive again demonstrates their clear ignorance to road safety. I hope they can learn from this mistake to ensure they improve the safety of themselves and others.”