A man whose “appalling” driving led to a head-on smash that killed his friend and severely injured another driver has been jailed today (Tuesday).
John Andrew Smith had been out with a friend, Ryan Lee.
After leaving a pub in Eggborough, Smith decided to drive Mr Lee’s van, despite not having a driving licence or insurance.
Witnesses described his driving that evening, 17 June 2023 , as “appalling”.
The 24-year-old from Byram, Selby, failed to stop at a red light and approached a bend too fast.
Smith then seriously misjudged an overtake on the A645 Weeland Road and ploughed into an oncoming vehicle.
The driver was returning home after work to have dinner with his family. He suffered critical injuries.
Mr Lee, who was in the passenger seat of the van driven by Smith, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith was taken to hospital himself with serious injuries, following the incident at around 6.30pm on 17 June 2023 and a full investigation was launched.
He was charged with causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving along. Other charges included causing death while driving uninsured and without a licence.
Smith pleaded guilty at York Crown Court in May 2025 and was jailed for 11 years by a judge at the same court today.
Family ‘absolutely broken’
Speaking after the court proceedings, Detective Constable Richard Grey of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Investigation Team said: “This collision has left the Lee family devastated with the loss of Ryan.
“They’ve told us it’s left them absolutely broken.
“The family of the injured driver have also had their life turned upside down, as he endured multiple operations.
“He now has to live with the fact that his injuries will leave a lasting legacy of reduced mobility and the inability live his life as intended.
“The affected families have at least been saved from the ordeal of a trail, as Smith has admitted his guilt and not sullied Ryan’s name in this senseless and horrific incident.
“All this has happened because Smith showed no regard for the safety of others and an attempt to save a few seconds off a journey with an overtake.”