Reckless Driver Jailed After Horrific M2 Crash
A dangerous driver who caused life-changing injuries in a high-speed crash on the M2 has been locked up. Hughie Coyle, 22, from Stanford-le-Hope, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on July 31, 2020.
Speeding, Weaving and a Fiery Collision
Coyle pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified following a horrific smash near a service station between junction 5 and 4 on the London-bound M2 carriageway.
- On May 18, 2019, Coyle was caught on the roads driving a gold Volvo estate at around 90mph.
- He was being followed by an unmarked police car after officers grew suspicious.
- Coyle weaved hazardously through traffic before exiting towards the Moto service station and speeding up.
- The Volvo slammed into a black Citroen Berlingo van at around 2:30pm, causing the van to spin and eject its driver.
- The Volvo hit a raised kerb, ripping off a wheel and catching fire before it crashed into another vehicle.
Fled Scene But Caught by Police
After the crash, Coyle fled on foot but was quickly tackled by pursuing officers. The van driver was airlifted to a London hospital with serious injuries, and a passenger in the van was taken to a local hospital as a precaution.
A 19-year-old female passenger in Coyle’s car was arrested on scene but later released without charge.
Justice Served After Hunt and Court Drama
Coyle was initially released pending investigation but breached probation and was recalled to prison. When charged by post, he skipped court and ended up on Kent Police’s Most Wanted list before police finally nabbed him.
He faces a six-year driving ban starting upon release and was also handed eight months for an unrelated assault.
Kent Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the police car’s proximity before the crash. The investigation cleared officers of any wrongdoing.
“Coyle’s reckless and dangerous driving endangered himself and other road users and resulted in an innocent member of the public receiving serious life-changing injuries which he has to face every day,” said PC Dawn Smith of Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
“Coyle attempted to evade officers prior to the collision and immediately after and continued to do so even after he was charged. I’m pleased he has been sentenced and I hope this can offer a little comfort to those affected by his actions on this day.”
