Driver admits to drink-driving in Pateley Bridge crash that killed teenager
Court hears guilty plea in tragic fatal incident
A driver has confessed to drink-driving in a Pateley Bridge crash that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick.
The driver, Joseph Henry Stott, who is 25 years old, changed his plea to guilty during a trial at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3rd September.
North Yorkshire Police managed to secure this conviction using a forward calculation since Stott was arrested four days after the incident. This marks a unique first for the force.
The crash happened in the early hours of Sunday 20th July 2025 on the B6265 between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses.
Following an intensive investigation into what was thought to be a fatal hit-and-run, Stott was arrested.
Although Stott was charged with failing to stop and report the accident, these charges were dropped after he admitted to drink-driving.
He’d also confessed to driving without insurance.
As punishment, the court banned Stott from driving for 20 months and ordered him to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work. He will also wear an alcohol monitoring tag for 80 days.
Detective Inspector Jill Cowling from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit offered condolences to Bailey’s family:
“Throughout this investigation, our thoughts have remained with Bailey's family as they continue to navigate the profound grief, trauma and loss caused by his death.
I thank the community of Pateley Bridge and the wider public for the support they provided throughout what has been a complex and extensive investigation."
Cowling also praised the commitment of the police officers and different departments involved:
“In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding work of the Family Liaison Officer who has provided compassionate and unwavering support to Bailey's family throughout the investigation, often during the most difficult moments of their lives.
While the outcome at court cannot ease the pain suffered by Bailey's family, it demonstrates our commitment to conducting thorough and professional investigations and holding offenders accountable for their actions."
Bailey’s mum shared the emotional impact that her son’s sudden death has had on their community:
“Our family has been broken by his death. His siblings have lost their brother, their friend, this will affect them deeply for the rest of their lives. … For me, the impact is lifelong. I struggle with anxiety, sleepless nights, and moments where grief overwhelms me without warning.”
Bailey’s shrine, a place for the community to remember him, is a poignant reminder of this tragic loss, she noted.