In a devastating incident that has shocked the community, two men have admitted their roles in a high-speed joyride that ended in catastrophe after they stole a BMW and ploughed it into a dementia care home.
The stolen vehicle, a high-performance BMW M140i taken from a local dealership under the guise of a test drive, was being driven at a reckless speed through the streets of Sheffield. The driver lost control, resulting in a horrific collision with the Sheffield Lakeside Care Home.
The impact proved fatal for two vulnerable residents. George and Patricia, both 79 years old, sustained critical injuries in the crash. Tragically, both passed away from their injuries the following day, turning a criminal act into a double manslaughter.
A Trail of Recklessness and Deceit
The court heard how Connor O’Brien, 23, and Codie Smith, 21, orchestrated the theft. O’Brien booked a legitimate test drive for the powerful £30,000 car but, once on the road, made it clear he had no intention of returning it, texting the salesman: "Cheers for the car, pal."
What followed was a short but dangerously fast drive through the residential area of Intake. Smith, who was behind the wheel, lost control on a roundabout. The vehicle mounted a pavement, smashed through a fence, and came to a devastating stop inside the care home's conservatory—a communal area for residents.
Community and Families Left Devastated
The crash caused immense damage to the building and unimaginable trauma to staff and residents. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the injuries to the two pensioners were too severe.
In a recent hearing at Sheffield Crown Court, both men entered guilty pleas. Codie Smith admitted to charges of aggravated vehicle taking and causing death by dangerous driving. Connor O’Brien pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.
Sentencing has been adjourned for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. The judge, Recorder Jeremy Hill-Baker, remanded both defendants into custody, warning them that a "substantial" prison sentence is inevitable for the "extremely serious" offences that had "catastrophic and tragic" consequences.
