A trans man has been jailed for running over his ex-partner twice, causing life-changing injuries after she rejected his kiss. Taylor Smyth, 26, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury through dangerous driving following the incident in the early hours of November 11 last year.
Background of the relationship
Manchester Crown Court heard that Smyth and the victim had been in a relationship for four years before separating in 2022. They had recently resumed contact in an attempt to rebuild a friendship. On the night of the incident, Smyth picked up his former partner from her home in Ashton-under-Lyne, and they spent the evening drinking at the Red Lion pub in Irlams o' th' Height, near Smyth's home in Salford.
The incident
After becoming intoxicated, they were asked to leave the pub at around 10.45pm following an incident where a drink was spilled. They returned to Smyth's home on Summerville Road, where they continued drinking. Both were significantly under the influence of alcohol. At approximately 3.30am, Smyth attempted to kiss his former partner, but she rejected his advances, which prompted a sudden change in his mood.
Smyth then left the house and got into a Vauxhall Corsa. As the woman moved behind the vehicle, he reversed over her before driving over her a second time while leaving the scene. He stopped the car, returned to the injured woman, and told her to "stay with me" before helping her into the vehicle. He drove back to his home, where he told his mother: "I have run her over, mum. I'm going to go to prison."
Aftermath and injuries
Smyth then left the property and was later found by a passer-by on East Lancashire Road suffering from a head injury. He admitted: "I f***** up." The victim was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She sustained multiple fractures to her face and jaw, lost four teeth, and suffered a liver laceration, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured knee.
Legal proceedings
Following his arrest, Smyth initially told police he heard a scream while reversing but later stated he had not struck anything. In a statement, the victim said: "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 know what to do anymore."
Blood samples taken around six hours after the collision showed Smyth had 133mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, well above the legal limit of 80mg. The court also heard he had a therapeutic level of the antidepressant mirtazapine in his system and had experienced mental health difficulties. He had no previous convictions and was said to be "profoundly sorry" for his actions.
Sentencing
Sentencing Smyth, Judge Hilary Manley said: "It was obviously a highly dangerous manoeuvre you undertook and you were very much under the influence of alcohol." Smyth was sentenced to three years in prison. He was also banned from driving for four and a half years and made subject to a 10-year restraining order.
