A 19-year-old has been sentenced to five years in a young offenders institution after killing his friend in a horrific car crash that occurred just one day after he passed his driving test.
Corey Owen Cooper pleaded guilty to causing the death of Josh Atkins by dangerous driving and to seriously injuring another passenger during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court.
The Fatal Night
The tragic incident took place in November 2023 in Sheffield, Yorkshire. Cooper, who was only 17 at the time, had been driving his grandfather's Fiat Grand Punto at speeds between 47mph and 53mph on roads with a 20mph limit.
Prosecutor Ian West told the court that Cooper had passed his driving test approximately 24 hours before the fatal crash. The court heard that Cooper then attempted a 'doughnut' manoeuvre in a car park, a dangerous stunt where the vehicle's rear rotates around the front, creating circular skid marks.
During this reckless act, Cooper lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the death of his passenger and friend, Josh Atkins.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC had previously warned Cooper he faced an almost inevitable prison sentence when he returned to court for sentencing in August.
"You will be sent into custody. The only issue for me to determine is for how long," Judge Richardson stated during an earlier hearing. He immediately disqualified Cooper from driving, stating: "That's to say you are not permitted by law to drive on public roads."
The court also heard that Cooper had failed to notice a "faulty ABS braking system" error message displayed on his vehicle prior to the crash.
A Legacy of Life and Loss
Josh Atkins, remembered as a keen fisherman, has left a lasting legacy through organ donation that has saved four lives.
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals revealed that after it became clear Josh's injuries were unsurvivable, his family made the decision to donate his organs. His heart, liver and kidneys have subsequently saved the lives of four other people.
Josh's auntie, Claire Chapman, said: "We've lost Josh and that has been devastating for our family, but we take huge comfort that his organs have helped others and that his heart is still beating."
Last year, family and friends celebrated Josh's life with a charity walk through Hillsborough Park. Ms Chapman described the event as "a day of remembrance and reflection rather than sadness," noting how moving it was to see so many of Josh's friends turn out to honour him.
