A44 Spetchley fatal crash driver admits causing deaths

Joe-Lewis Tyler admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash in Spetchley, near Worcester, when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

The 33-year-old of Grenville Road, Dines Green, Worcester admitted the three counts of causing death by dangerous driving on Monday, July 15 following the fatal crash on the A44 in Spetchley on February 22.

The crash killed six-year-old Leo Painter, Claire Adkins, aged 39, and Courtney Hemming, aged 26. Tyler also admitted three counts of causing death whilst uninsured.

LOVED: Leo Painter who was just a six years old when he died in the crash on the A44 at Spetchley near Worcester (Image: SWNS)

The case was heard by Judge James Burbidge KC who warned the defendant he would be receiving a 'substantive sentence'. Sentence is now due to take place on August 5 at 2pm. No pre-sentence report was required for the hearing.

The crash happened at about 3pm when a grey BMW 3 series collided with a white Ford Mondeo.

Claire Adkins and Courtney Hemming, both from Worcester, died at the scene when the white Ford Mondeo, which they were travelling in, was in collision with a grey BMW 3 series.

MOURNER: A man pays his respects at the scene of the fatal crash on the A44 Spetchley Road near Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Six-year-old Leo Painter, also in the Mondeo, was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but died a short time later.

His mum Gemma remembered Leo as a wonderful little boy.

She said in a previous statement: "He always had a smile on his face and was a bundle of fun. I’m heartbroken that I won’t see him again."

Many at the time came to lay flowers and leave personal messages at the scene of a fatal crash.

TRAGEDY: Joe-Lewis Tyler has admitted his responsibility for crash on the A44 Spetchley Road, pictured here closed on the day of the fatal crash which killed three people (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Some stopped and knelt to read the cards, holding back tears as they paid their respects and reflected on a tragedy which shocked the city.

Throughout the weekend after the incident, the number of tributes continued to grow near the entrance to Spetchley Park Gardens.

One message read: "Our hearts go out to everyone at this difficult time. Taken far too soon. RIP with love Claire, Lee, Josh and Livie xxx."

Another card said 'why is life so cruel?' and described one of the women who died as 'one in a million'.

RECOMMENDED READING: Spetchley Road crash scene covered in flowers and tributes

RECOMMENDED READING: Joe-Lewis Tyler in court for triple fatal Spetchley crash

One bouquet had a message attached which read: "All taken too soon. Rest in peace. Love Colin and Gina xxxx."

Teddy bears and children's drawings were also left as part of the tributes.

Two men, both occupants of the BMW, were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with serious injuries.

Chief Inspector Mark Davidson said at the time: “This is an incredibly sad incident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who have sadly died. I urge anybody who witnessed the collision or may have dash-cam footage to contact the police as you may be able to help with our investigation into what happened."