A night of 18th birthday celebrations ended in unimaginable tragedy after a drunk driver caused a fatal crash that claimed the life of his best friend.
Dylan O'Brien, 20, has been sentenced to eight years in youth detention after admitting to causing the death of 18-year-old Joseph McMillan by dangerous driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
The horrific incident occurred on the A575 in Walkden, Greater Manchester, on October 15, 2022 - the very night McMillan had been celebrating his milestone birthday with friends.
A Fateful Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
Manchester Crown Court heard how O'Brien lost control of his black Vauxhall Corsa while attempting to overtake another vehicle at excessive speed. The car veered across the road, mounted a grass verge, and collided with a tree with devastating force.
Joseph McMillan, who had been in the passenger seat, suffered catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision was so severe that emergency services described the vehicle as "barely recognisable."
Devastating Aftermath and Emotional Sentencing
During the emotional sentencing hearing, the court was told that O'Brien's blood alcohol reading was between 95-104mg per 100ml of blood - significantly over the legal limit of 80mg.
In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Joseph's mother described her son as "the most loving, caring boy" and spoke of the unbearable pain of losing her child. "There isn't a minute that goes by where I don't think about Joseph," she told the court.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC condemned O'Brien's "stupid and dangerous" actions, stating: "You drove without due care and attention, you were going too fast, and you'd been drinking."
Young Lives Destroyed in Moment of Recklessness
O'Brien, who was 18 at the time of the crash, was also banned from driving for nine years and four months. He must pass an extended retest before he can legally drive again.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drink driving, particularly among young drivers. Greater Manchester Police reiterated their commitment to tackling drink and drug driving on the region's roads.
This tragic incident has left two families shattered and a community mourning the loss of a young man with his whole life ahead of him.
