Bedale: Driver jailed for killing three teenagers in B6268 crash

Tommy Shevels, Aaron Bell and Louis Banks died at the scene of the crash near Thornton Watlass on 29 July

A man has been jailed for nine years and four months for killing three teenagers who were passengers in his car.

Joshua Chapman, of Mosquito Grove, Bedale, admitted causing the deaths of Louis Banks, 17, Aaron Bell, 18, and Tommy Shevels, 18, on 29 July 2022.

Chapman, 20, lost control of his Alfa Romeo and hit a tree on the B6268 between Bedale and Masham.

He was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

Sgt Ed Drake, from North Yorkshire Police, said the fatal crash "was an absolute tragic and completely avoidable loss of three young lives."

"This catastrophic collision must serve as a lesson to everyone, particular young drivers, of the importance of being in control of your vehicle at all times," he added.

The three teenagers had died at the scene of the crash after Chapman, then 18, lost control as he drove from Bedale to Masham along the B6268.

He also sustained "serious injuries", police said, and told officers he had no recollection of the incident.

Investigators found the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed as it negotiated bends before it left the road.

A motorist who was in front of Chapman's car told police the Alfa Romeo was following "very close" behind him and beeped its horn several times before it overtook him at a set of red traffic lights.

'Biggest regret'

The families of the three teenagers paid tribute to them in their victim impact statements.

Louis Banks family described him as a "good, kind, loving beautiful boy inside and out".

Aaron Bell's family said he had become "an inspirational young man".

The family of Tommy Shevels said his death had "devastated our family's lives".

They added: "Our biggest regret is that we weren't there to stop Tommy, Louis and Aaron getting in Joshua Chapman's car on the night of 29 July 2022.

"His reckless behaviour devastated the lives of three families".

Chapman had earlier admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

In addition to his prison term, he was also banned from driving for 10 years and ordered to take an extended driving test.