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Restricted driver jailed for five years over 100mph fatal crash in Dundrum
Overview
Lewis Burtney, a 23-year-old restricted driver, has been sentenced to five years in prison and given a six-year driving ban after pleading guilty to causing the death of James Smyth and serious injuries to four women by dangerous driving. The December 2021 crash in Dundrum, County Down, occurred when Burtney's car, which had its speed limiter removed, spun out of control while travelling at over 100mph. A second driver, Rhys Bailie, was fined and banned from driving for two years after admitting to dangerous driving.
Key points
- Lewis Burtney was sentenced to five years imprisonment, split equally between prison and licence conditions.
- The fatal crash occurred on 16 December 2021 on the Belfast Road in Dundrum, County Down.
- Forty-nine-year-old James Smyth died at the scene, while four female passengers sustained serious injuries, including one who now uses a wheelchair.
- Burtney was travelling at more than 100mph and had intentionally removed his vehicle's speed limiter.
- Rhys Bailie was sentenced alongside Burtney, receiving a £750 fine and a two-year driving ban for dangerous driving.