Drink-driver jailed for killing teenage motorcyclist near Wisborough Green
Toby Spiring was twice the legal drink-drive limit when he got behind the wheel in June 2024, before killing Aidan Venison
A 28-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after admitting to causing the death of a teenage motorcyclist while driving under the influence near Wisborough Green.
Toby Spiring was over twice the legal drink-driving limit when he crashed head-on into 19-year-old Aidan Venison on the B2133 at Newpound in the early hours of 30th June 2024.
Police said Spiring had been drinking at a pub in Billingshurst before getting behind the wheel of his father’s Mazda CX-5.
He overtook another car before colliding with Venison, who was riding his Lexmoto motorcycle in the opposite direction.
Members of the public and paramedics tried to save Aidan, but he was pronounced dead at the scene just two days before his 20th birthday.
Spiring, of Howard Place in Littlehampton, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on 14th October to eight years behind bars, reduced from 12 years due to his early plea.
He is also banned from driving for five years once released and must pass an extended re-test.
Judge Laing said Aidan was riding home after a night with friends ‘without fault’, and added Spiring’s decision to drive drunk led to a ‘disastrous’ outcome.
Aidan’s family provided an emotional statements in court, describing the impact of his loss.
His father Darran said, “Aidan was a talented, funny, good-hearted soul, so full of life. He was killed by someone who chose to do what he did, with no remorse. Toby Spiring has devastated us all, taking a light from our lives and changing our lives forever.”
His mother Tracey added, “Aidan was a caring, loving, respectful and loyal lad, and a good brother to his younger brother, Hugo. He had so much life left to live, so many memories to make, and so much love left to give and to receive.”
She addressed Spiring directly, saying, “You stole his future, and in turn you have destroyed mine. You have taken away my opportunity as a mum to watch my son grow and fulfil his potential, and to share in life’s simple moments. You have shattered our world.”
“We are left with photographs, memories, a bedroom full of Aidan’s belongings, and his final resting place. There will be no more tomorrows for Aidan – he will forever be 19 – a young man whose opportunity to grow old was taken away.”