Drug Driver Sentenced to Over 13 Years for Fatal Crash That Killed Brother and Nephew
A South Shields man has been jailed for more than 13 years after causing the deaths of his brother and 12-year-old nephew while driving under the influence of drugs at nearly double the speed limit. Michael Webb, 35, lost control of his vehicle during a dangerous overtaking maneuver, resulting in a catastrophic collision that tore his car in two.
Tragic Details of the Fatal Incident
The devastating crash occurred on August 30, 2025, on John Reid Road in South Shields. Webb was attempting to undertake a BMW while traveling at approximately 73mph in a 40mph zone. Forensic analysis revealed he had more than double the legal limit for cocaine in his system, along with four times the permitted level of cocaine breakdown product Benzoylecgonine (BZE).
Emergency braking proved insufficient as Webb lost control, striking a lamppost before colliding with a tree with such force that the Skoda Octavia split into two sections. His brother Peter Webb, 40, who was wearing a seatbelt in the front passenger seat, died at the scene. Peter's son Ben, aged 12, was propelled from the rear of the vehicle and also suffered fatal injuries.
Heartbreaking Victim Impact Statements
Ashleigh Webb, Peter's wife and Ben's mother, delivered an emotional statement to Newcastle Crown Court describing how her family had been "ripped apart" by the tragedy. She revealed that Ben's school blazer had been hanging ready for his first day of Year 8, a milestone he would never reach.
"Our family of four has been ripped apart," Mrs. Webb told the court. "All that has been left are two people who don't know how the pieces are going to fit together again."
She described Webb's driving as "an accident waiting to happen" and expressed anger that he had shown no remorse, even posting images of himself smoking cannabis and drinking while on bail. Mrs. Webb revealed she had previously felt "genuinely terrified" as a passenger in his vehicle and had asked him to slow down, only to be met with laughter.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Webb pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. During sentencing, Judge Tim Gittins described the incident as "an entirely avoidable tragedy" and noted that Webb's arrogant and dangerous driving had caused harm "beyond calculation."
Witnesses reported seeing Webb's vehicle traveling between 70mph and 90mph in the moments before the crash, with one describing the driving as "crazy dangerous." The BMW driver involved in the incident told police he had attempted to move into the inside lane to allow Webb to pass, but was shocked to see Webb had already undertaken him at high speed.
In addition to the 13-year, six-month prison sentence, Webb received a driving ban of 15 years and five months. He must pass an extended driving test before being permitted behind the wheel again.
Police Response and Investigation
Detective Sergeant Russell Surrey of Northumbria Police described the collision as "truly devastating" and acknowledged the profound impact on the Webb family. "I cannot begin to understand what the Webb family has been through over the last eight months," he stated. "Their pain must be beyond anything most of us could imagine."
The comprehensive police investigation established the facts of the tragic collision, leading to Thursday's sentencing outcome. Authorities have requested privacy for the grieving family as they attempt to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.
