A jilted lover who reversed over his former partner twice while intoxicated after a failed attempt at reconciliation has been sentenced to three years in prison. Taylor Smyth, 26, a biological female who identifies as male, ran over the woman in a Vauxhall Corsa after she rejected his advances, causing severe injuries including multiple fractures and the loss of four teeth.
Background of the Incident
The court at Manchester Crown Court heard that the couple ended their four-year relationship in 2022. On November 11 last year, Smyth sent an unsolicited Snapchat message to his ex-partner, and they began communicating again in an attempt to remain friends. The defendant picked up the woman from her home in Ashton-under-Lyne, and they went to the Red Lion pub in Irlams o' th' Height, near Smyth's residence in Salford.
The pair became intoxicated and were ejected from the pub at 10:45 PM after spilling a drink. They then returned to Smyth's home on Summerville Road, where they continued drinking. Both were significantly under the influence of alcohol.
The Attack
At around 3:30 AM, Smyth attempted to kiss his ex, but she rejected his advances. Prosecutor Rob Hall stated that this rejection caused a significant shift in mood. Smyth quickly left the house, and the woman followed him. He got into his Vauxhall Corsa, and as the woman fell behind the car, Smyth reversed over her. He then drove forward, running over her a second time before stopping.
After the incident, Smyth got out of the car, told the injured woman to 'stay with me,' and dragged her into the vehicle. He drove back to Summerville Road, where he told his mother, 'I have run her over mum. I'm going to go to prison.' He then fled but was later found with a head injury by a passer-by on the East Lancs Road, reportedly saying, 'I f***ed up.'
Injuries and Aftermath
The victim was taken to Salford Royal Hospital's intensive care unit and underwent surgery for multiple fractures to her face and jaw, losing four teeth. She also suffered a lacerated liver, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured knee. Although she is expected to make a full physical recovery, she may experience long-term mild to moderate pain.
In a text message to the investigating officer, the victim expressed that the incident had 'completely ruined' her life. She stated, 'I don't want to go out anymore. I don't feel safe. I'm in fear. I don't make plans or anything with anyone. He has completely ruined my life. I'm mentally and physically unstable with what he's done. I have PTSD. I cry myself to sleep. I don't even know what to do anymore.'
Alcohol and Mental Health
A blood sample taken six hours after the incident showed 133mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, exceeding the legal driving limit of 80mg. Smyth also had a therapeutic amount of the antidepressant mirtazapine in his system and suffers from mental health issues.
Defense barrister Graham Rishton acknowledged the severity of the harm caused, stating, 'There's nothing I can say today to mitigate the harm caused.' He noted that Smyth had made a 'thoroughly dreadful decision' to drive and was 'profoundly sorry.' Smyth had no previous convictions and had been alcohol-free for seven months since the incident.
Sentencing
Judge Hilary Manley described Smyth's decision to drive as 'foolish' and noted that while he may not have known the victim was on the ground, reversing was a highly dangerous maneuver while under the influence of alcohol. The judge dismissed a request to suspend the sentence, stating, 'This offence is so serious it can only be marked by a sentence of immediate imprisonment.'
Smyth was sentenced to three years in prison, banned from driving for four and a half years, and made subject to a 10-year restraining order. He had pleaded guilty to causing serious injury through dangerous driving. A charge of attempted murder was ordered to lie on file, as the Crown Prosecution Service concluded it would be 'insurmountably difficult' to prove intent for attempted murder.
