Sussex driver sentenced after TikTok car stunt leaves friend with brain injury
Group meet-up ends in life-changing injuries
A Hastings driver has been sentenced for causing life-changing injuries to his friend, after attempting a dangerous TikTok car stunt that went wrong at a retail park in Bexhill.
Connor Pace, 23, met up with fellow car enthusiasts at Ravenside Retail Park on the evening of 17th January this year. The group discussed a viral trend which involves riding on the bonnet of a moving car, before Pace attempted the manoeuvre using his Seat Leon.
A reckless decision
At the car park, one of the group voluntarily climbed onto the bonnet while the car was stationary. Pace then drove around the car park with his friend on top of the car for about 17 seconds, before the victim fell to the ground, suffering a serious head injury.
Emergency services were quickly called to the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital where he remained unconscious for nearly a month. He was later confirmed to have sustained a traumatic brain injury that required numerous surgeries and ongoing medical treatment.
The victim, a 23-year-old man from St Leonards, said in his impact statement that the incident has severely changed his life both physically and mentally. His mother, who has moved back to Sussex from Cornwall to become his full-time carer, described how the incident had permanently transformed their lives.
Sentencing at Lewes Crown Court
After a police investigation, which gathered witness testimony and CCTV footage from the scene, Pace was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He initially denied driving dangerously, but later pleaded guilty to the charge.
On 26th November at Lewes Crown Court, Pace received a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Additional penalties included the completion of 300 hours of unpaid work, electronic tag monitoring between 8pm and 8am for eight weeks, and a two-year driving ban. To regain his driving licence after this period, Pace will be required to take an extended re-test.
Sussex Police condemns actions
Detective Constable David Symonds of Sussex Police criticised Pace’s behaviour, describing it as “mindless and irresponsible.”
“It goes without saying that the actions of the defendant were mindless and irresponsible, and that is reflected by the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim,” Symonds said.
“I am confident Pace did not intend to cause serious injury, but nevertheless, he should never have placed himself in this situation in the first place.”
Symonds continued, “Cars are not toys; they are extremely powerful machines which can cause significant damage or injury. Pace’s irresponsible actions that evening have changed both his own life and his victim’s life irreparably.”
The reckless incident in Bexhill serves as a sobering reminder of the serious consequences that dangerous driving can have.