'Crazy Fast' Drive Ends in Tragedy
A driver who was filmed travelling at "crazy fast" speeds moments before a fatal collision has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison. Regan Kemp, 26, was driving at 80mph in a 30mph zone in the Middleton area of Leeds when he struck and killed 19-year-old Ashton Kitchen-White on 16 May.
A Life of Promise Cut Short
Following the impact, Kemp got out of his vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Tragically, Ashton, an aspiring doctor who planned to study medicine at the University of Leeds, succumbed to his injuries. The court heard that Kemp, who had driven from Scotland to Leeds earlier that day, was seen on CCTV abandoning the car. He then got into another vehicle with friends and made the journey back to Scotland, eventually returning to his home in Penzance, Cornwall.
West Yorkshire Police's Major Collision Enquiry Team launched an investigation. They uncovered crucial evidence, including video footage from inside Kemp's car where a passenger could be heard commenting on the reckless speed. After extensive enquiries across the country, Kemp handed himself in. He was arrested on 20 May.
Justice Served and a Family's Heartbreak
At Leeds Crown Court, Regan Kemp was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 15 years and six months in prison. He was also banned from driving for 17 years and two months.
The devastating impact of Kemp's actions was laid bare in emotional victim statements from Ashton's family. His mother, Hayley, said, "I cannot describe the devastation at the loss of my sweet boy who never did anything wrong and had dreams of becoming a doctor." His father, Andrew, added, "A big part of me died with Ashton. He was a beautiful soul... all Ashton wanted to do was help people." He revealed that Ashton's two-year-old brother wakes up every day asking if he can see him.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police stated, "Ashton's death was needless and completely avoidable... Kemp's reckless actions highlight the catastrophic consequences that can come from speeding." He emphasised that this case should serve as a stark reminder to all drivers of the responsibility they hold when behind the wheel.
