High-speed death crash learner driver jailed

A learner driver who reached speeds of more than 100mph moments before a fatal crash and then fled the scene has been jailed for 14 years.

Rhemeese Lawrence-Hayden, 28, was driving a Ford Focus on a 30mph road in Birmingham, when it hit the central reservation, a kerb and then a tree. He was only tracked down after saliva taken from the car's airbag was analysed.

His passenger, David Brennan, 26, died in hospital after suffering fatal injuries in the crash, on Linden Road, Bournville, on 2 October 2022.

Lawrence-Hayden, 24 at the time, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, having reached speeds of between 82 and 102mph.

In the wake of the crash, investigators established the defendant had been picked up by another vehicle, to get away from the scene.

Forensic examiners were able to identify him from the saliva on the airbag that was submitted for DNA profiling. At the time, Lawrence-Hayden held only a provisional driver's licence.

Examination of his phone also put him in the same vicinity as Brennan at the time of the collision.

Lawrence-Hayden was later arrested and picked out of an ID parade by a witness.

Speaking after sentencing, Det Sgt Paul Hughes said the defendant had driven his car with "no thought for the safety of his friend".

"His actions were totally reckless. Following the crash he fled leaving Mr Brennan at the scene with very serious injuries," he said.

"He will spend many years behind bars, where he can reflect on his actions on that night. Our thoughts remain with Mr Brennan's family.

"I would like to thank everyone who assisted us in our investigations including witnesses who provided statements and whose evidence helped to convict Lawrence-Hayden."

Lawrence-Hayden has also been banned from driving for 12 years.

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