Motorcycle rider sentenced over collision near Lewes

A motorcycle rider who collided with pedestrians while the road was closed to motor traffic has been sentenced.

Jack Sheppard rode at excess speed while road closures were in place for the Barcombe fireworks display.

He struck a group of pedestrians, causing them serious injuries.

Now aged 19, he appeared before Lewes Crown Court on April 22 where he admitted causing serious injuries by dangerous driving.

Dangerous driving and driving at excess speed are some of the main factors in why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Sheppard, of Spithurst Road, Barcombe, was sentenced to 21 months detention in a young offenders’ institution.

He was disqualified from driving or riding for two years and ten months.

The court heard how the incident happened at 10.20pm on November 19, 2022 in the High Street in the village.

Road closures were in place for the annual bonfire celebrations, which Sheppard had himself attended.

He rode at an estimated 40mph in the road closure, when the usual speed limit is 30mph when the road is open.

Investigating officer Tudor Wells from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This collision left one woman unconscious with serious, life-changing injuries.

“Another woman also had to be taken to hospital, and three other people sustained minor injuries.

“It should have been obvious to Sheppard that road closures were in place and he should not have been riding. He posed a danger to many people walking home in the village from bonfire night.

“It demonstrates the dangers of motorists travelling at excess speed, and Sheppard was lucky not to have caused even more serious harm or a fatality.”