Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 8th April 2025 at 07:15hrs
A 20-year-old man, identified only as Rafferty, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after causing a fatal collision in Doncaster while driving a stolen car under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, July 26, 2024, on Goodison Boulevard, resulted in the tragic death of his passenger, 30-year-old Aiden Allen.
Sheffield Crown Court heard how roads policing officers were called to the scene following reports of a collision involving a Ford Mondeo.
Upon arrival, paramedics had already confirmed the death of Mr. Allen, while Rafferty was found trapped inside the vehicle.
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash revealed a shocking disregard for the law and the safety of others.
Officers discovered that Rafferty was driving on a provisional licence with no insurance.
Furthermore, the Ford Mondeo he was operating had been reported stolen and was fitted with cloned number plates.
Witness accounts and evidence gathered at the scene indicated that Rafferty had been driving at speed when he lost control on a left-hand bend.
The vehicle mounted a kerb before colliding with a lamppost and then crashing into an electric box.
Following the collision, Rafferty was taken to hospital for treatment.
During this time, police recovered wraps of Class A drugs from his socks. A subsequent blood sample revealed that he was over the prescribed limit for alcohol and also had cocaine in his system.
Investigating Officer PC Natalie Booler from the Serious Collisions Unit expressed her condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
“My thoughts remain with those affected by Aiden’s loss,” she said.
Highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence, PC Booler added,
“Driving under the influence of drugs is one of the four most common contributing factors to fatal collisions and on that night, Rafferty got behind the wheel of that car knowing he was in no fit state or had a licence to drive.
Rafferty was the driver of that vehicle – he had control, he made the decisions and his actions killed Aiden.”
In addition to the nine-year prison sentence, Rafferty was also disqualified from driving for 15 years and three months.
The sentencing comes as South Yorkshire Police actively participate in the National Police Chiefs’ Councils’ awareness month of action focusing on the ‘Fatal 4’ offences – speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.
PC Booler emphasized the collective responsibility for road safety.
“We are doing all we can to reduce casualties on our roads but road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t think you’re invisible, don’t think it won’t happen to you and make sure you do your part.”
South Yorkshire Police urge the public to be mindful of road safety and the potentially devastating consequences of engaging in risky behaviours behind the wheel.
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