Day One of Dangerous Driving Trial Commences at Lincoln Crown Court
The trial of four men accused of causing the death of 20-year-old Grimsby resident Denii Reynolds by dangerous driving started at Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday, September 20. Appearing in court were Josh Dobb, 21, Keelan Tuke, 21, Riley Duncombe, 19, and Keigan Launder, 23.
Details of the Crash
The fatal accident occurred on the A16 between Utterby and Fotherby when one of the four cars, driven by the accused, reportedly crashed head-on with a Vauxhall Corsa carrying 70-year-old Margaret Williams. Denii Reynolds, a passenger in a Citreon C1 allegedly being raced by the men, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charges
Alongside causing death by dangerous driving, the four men are charged with seriously injuring Margaret Williams. All have entered not-guilty pleas to both charges.
Eyewitness Account
Eyewitness Adam Knowles retold his sightings that evening at a Shell service station in Louth. He described the conduct of the four vehicles as "absolutely appalling", elaborating on their reckless behavior. "There was the Citreon C1 being chased around around the different car parks by the other vehicles there. They were acting like the garage was a race track," said Mr. Knowles.
Allegations in Court
Prosecutor Jeremy Jaines alleged that the defendants were racing at excessive speeds. He went on to say "The ordinary competent driver doesn’t use the A16 as a race track or at excessive speeds of the car in front." The prosecution also showed video footage from a dashcam featuring the four vehicles speeding past other drivers.
The trial is set to continue with the defence statements. Barristers Adam Pearson, Jonathon Dee, Benjamin Hammersley, and Adrian Amer are representing the accused Tuke, Dobb, Launder, and Duncombe, respectively.