Friday, December 1, 2023
News for the Meon Valley


Teenager Who Admitted Killing Two Motorcyclists In Crash Back In Court

By Times Reporter in Crime News on November 11, 2021

A teenage driver who walked free from court earlier this year despite admitting killing two motorcyclists due to careless driving is due back in court today.

In August this year Joshua Kempster, 19, from West Meon,  walked free after all charges were dropped due to a legal technicality.

Kempster had been cleared of dangerous driving following a trial over the deaths of motorcyclists, Andrew Cuthbert, 58, and Gary Groves, 62 on the Bishop’s Waltham to Corhampton road in February 2020.

Kempster had earlier pleaded guilty to careless driving but as the prosecution did not accept his guilty plea – instead arguing for the higher charge of dangerous driving – it was no longer valid.

Portsmouth Crown Court heard that as a result the court had ‘no option’ but to discharge him from the proceedings and let him walk free.

In August a CPS spokesperson said: “On 2 February 2020, Andrew Cuthbert and Gary Groves were involved in a road traffic collision which tragically led to their deaths.

“Following complex legal argument, proceedings in this case have ended. The CPS is now reviewing the position in relation to this case.

“We recognise that this is an extremely difficult and upsetting time for the families and friends of Andrew Cuthbert and Gary Groves, and our thoughts are with them at this traumatic time.”

Kempster will appear at Portsmouth Magistrates Court at 3pm today.

Comments


Leave a Reply