Teen jailed for Knockin crossroads crash into pregnant woman

The woman suffered fractured ankles and had to undergo an emergency operation to deliver her baby hours after the crash, caused by 18-year-old Sean Phillip Lythe, who had excess cocaine and cannabis in his system, in 2019. 

One passenger in Lythe's car spent two months in hospital recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.

Shrewsbury Crown Court heard on Friday (April 23) that Lythe ignored give way signs at a crossroads on the B4396 between Knockin Heath and Nesscliffe at about 11.18pm on August 14, 2019 – shooting across the junction, and colliding with another vehicle.

Although his speed at the time is unknown, an investigation concluded Lythe had been driving at 99mph near Oswestry minutes beforehand.

Virginia McGrath and fiancé Michael Roberts were making their were on their way to Telford Hospital for an appointment about the health of their unborn child – the couple’s first – earlier in the evening. Ms McGrath, who was 36 weeks pregnant at the time, underwent an emergency C-section and delivered a healthy baby daughter early the next morning.

Jack Williams, a passenger in Lythe’s Ford Fiesta, suffered bruising to his brain, a deflated lung, multiple rib and neck fractures and a lacerated liver.

Lythe, now 19, originally denied four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but pleaded guilty in February.

Shrewsbury Crown Court

Prosecutor Peter Arnold said Lythe, of Mayfields, Kinnerley, near Oswestry, lived about a mile from the scene of the accident and told police he knew the scene “like the back of his hand”.

"Mr Roberts was travelling at around 60mph when he became aware of headlights on a minor road approaching a crossroads junction.

“The defendant’s car came straight out in front of him. He had simply not stopped at the give way sign and pulled out in front of the other driver, causing a massive impact.

“Ms McGrath was stuck in the vehicle, describing a pain like red hot lava in her stomach; it must have been terrifying for her.

“Photos vividly showed both vehicles crushed out of recognition by the impact, it was remarkable no-one was killed. Even though we cannot tell the precise speed, thanks to equipment carried in cars, it is known the defendant was travelling at grossly excessive speeds just before the accident.

“Clearly there was no braking involved, he simply went into the major road. The defendant was tested for drugs and found to be three-and-a-half times over the legal limit for both cocaine and cannabis.”

Both the occupants of the other car suffered fractured ankles.

He added that Mr Williams was in coma when he came into hospital, was admitted into intensive care and was discharged from hospital two months later, in October 2019.

Another passenger, Liam Watkins, suffered fractured vertebrae in his neck, a fractured pelvis and hip, as well as broken ribs and a punctured lung, and spent two weeks in hospital.

“The defendant himself suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs,” said Mr Arnold.

“In interview he told police he had no memory of the crash, just a big bang. He added that he smoked cannabis daily and had smoked it that day between 6-7pm and had taken cocaine the previous day.”

The court also heard that Lythe was in trouble with the police again just two months later – for driving with excess drugs in his system.

Acting for Lythe, Paul Smith said Lythe was in employment and taking steps to address his drug use.

“There isn’t a day or night that isn’t broken up by wishing this didn’t happen," he said.

Judge Anthony Lowe told Lythe: “Four people were seriously injured, some with long lasting injuries, some may have injuries they continue to suffer with for the rest of their lives.

“I accept you may be remorseful but I have to temper it with the fact that eight weeks later you were driving again while unfit due to drugs. Some people may not have wanted to get in a car again but you did and you maintained a not guilty plea for 16 months.”

Jailing Lythe for 28 months concurrently for each charge, Judge Lowe said: “It is far too serious a case to justify a suspended sentence, bearing in mind your conduct. You may not be a bad person but you did a very bad thing.”

Lythe will spend his sentence in a young offender’s institute and will be released on licence at the halfway point. He was also disqualified from driving for five years, plus an extended period of 14 months.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Roberts said: "It was a relief that the judge understood the need for a custodial sentence. It is also reassuring to know he will not be driving for five years post custody."