David Stewart sentenced after fatal crash. He drove at 100mph whilst intoxicated, leading to Lee Stevenson’s death.
Stewart was thrown from the bike. It landed on his passenger, Lee Stevenson, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, and died at the scene on March 25, 2023. He was 27 years old.
The crash occurred in Peterlee. The cause of death was head trauma. Stewart was hospitalized for his injuries until April. Police interviewed him in June, but he didn’t answer questions.
Stewart had been drinking, though his alcohol level was under the limit. He had cocaine and pregabalin in his system. The cocaine was over the driving limit. The crash was preceded by events at a house.
Stewart and Stevenson had been out and went to David Brown’s house, Stevenson’s uncle, where Stevenson lived. They continued drinking and taking drugs. Brown warned them not to ride, knowing their condition.
They rode anyway. Police noticed them quickly and initiated a chase using lights. Stewart accelerated rapidly on 30 mph roads. Police fell back and discovered the crash later.
The bike had fake plates and lacked an MOT, although it was roadworthy. Stewart had no license or insurance and was already banned from driving due to a 2022 driving case.
Stevenson’s mother, Naomi, stated that her son’s loss was immense. He left behind two children. She hoped Stewart’s family would not suffer similar pain.
Wendy Brown, Stevenson’s aunt, described him as fun and happy. His death changed their world and this was their first time meeting Stewart. They had told them not to go.
Stewart’s lawyer, Dan Cordey, told the court that his client was deeply sorry and looked sad and remorseful. Cordey said Stewart takes it seriously and understands the gravity of his actions.
Stewart initially pleaded not guilty to causing death and claimed to have no memory of the night. But he changed his plea in February. He had spent five weeks in the hospital after the crash.
Judge Jo Kidd addressed Stewart, emphasizing his driving record and his disregard for others’ safety. She noted his history of speeding, drunk driving, and driving while banned.
The judge said he chose to speed from the police when he could have stopped. If he had, Stevenson would still be alive, the judge believed. His actions devastated the family, causing two children to lose their father
Judge Kidd sentenced Stewart to eleven years in prison, half of which he will serve, followed by a period on license. She also banned him from driving for over twenty years and ordered the seizure of the Kawasaki bike.