A Morecambe man has been jailed after admitting causing the death of a taxi passenger by dangerous driving.
Police were called to Westgate at 5.47am on Sunday August 10 following reports of a collision involving a black Fiat Punto and a white Ford Mondeo taxi.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the rear seat passenger in the taxi – 50-year-old father-of-three Wayne Putley from Lancaster - was pronounced deceased at hospital.
Read more: Family pays tribute to taxi passenger who died in road crash in Morecambe
Jez Shepherd, 23, of Green Street, Morecambe, previously admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst disqualified from driving, causing death whilst unlicensed/uninsured, aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, making off without payment and burglary.
Shepherd had stolen the Punto earlier that day and driven around Morecambe at speed. He also made off without paying for fuel from a garage, was more than twice the drink drive limit and was high on drugs.
Just before the collision he had been driving at almost 90mph in a 30mph zone.
He appeared at Preston Crown Court today (Friday, October 24) where he was sentenced to 15 years, 12 years of which will be served in custody, and where he will have to serve a minimum of eight until he is eligible to apply for parole. He will be subject to an extended license period of three years.
Shepherd has also been disqualified from driving for 16 years and will have to take an extended driving test before he can hold a license again.
Below: Wayne Putley with his late sister, Jeanette
Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Martin Wilcock, of our Specialist Operations team, said:” First and foremost my thoughts today are with Mr Putley’s family who have lost a clearly very well-loved man in tragic circumstances. I want to thank them for conducting themselves with dignity throughout these proceedings.
“Jez Shepherd was clearly intoxicated and drove a stolen car at incredibly dangerous speeds before colliding with the taxi in which Mr Putley was a passenger with tragic and catastrophic consequences.
“No sentence can ever bring a loved one back or make up for the loss of a life, but I hope that this significant jail term gives Mr Putley’s loved ones some sense that justice has been served and gives Mr Shepherd time to reflect on his devastating actions on that fateful day.”
In a statement Mr Putley’s family said Wayne was known for his kind heart and would never turn anybody away who was in need of help, he worked locally at the homeless shelter and helped out at the church.
When he wasn’t at work, he was out enjoying himself DJ’ing online on the weekends, paddleboarding, being outdoors and most of all off-road motorbiking.
The family said Wayne’s death had shattered the family and left a massive hole that could not be filled.
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
