Drug driver jailed for 10 years over Cumbrian mans death

Oliver Pryde from Flimby, was on his way home from watching the Euro 2020 final when he was struck down by a car and threw into the path of another car in the carriageway. 

The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa fled the scene. Adam Smith, 33, from Huddersfield was later charged with causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs, causing death whilst unlicensed and uninsured.  West Yorkshire Police said Smith had consumed nearly twice the legal limit of drugs.

He pleaded not guilty to all offences but following a trial at Leeds Crown Court which lasted six days, he was found guilty of all offences. 

On April 22, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and disqualified from driving for nine years. 

Detective Constable Mark Turner, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “Despite having no driver’s licence or insurance and having consumed nearly twice the legal limit of drugs, Smith chose to get behind the wheel of a car with tragic consequences. 

Adam Smith has been jailed for 10 years (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

“His actions has left Oliver’s family and friends devastated and deprived Oliver of a promising future. I hope this highlights the dangers and consequences of drug driving – we welcome the sentence that has been handed down and hope it acts as a deterrent to others.” 

Oliver was the eldest of four children in his family, the former Netherhall School pupil was pursuing his lifelong dream of studying maths at Huddersfield University. He was described by the school as 'a superb student' and an 'impeccable young man'.

His mum Stacey, said: “Oliver wanted to become a maths teacher at his old secondary school. His words were that he wanted to teach others and inspire the next generation just like his teachers had inspired him. 

“Since his death, his school have put in place an award in Oliver’s name, The Oliver Pryde award for mathematics – it’s a way that he can continue to inspire the next generation. 

“No justice will ever be served in my eyes. I am left with a lifetime without Oliver and I’m left trying to rebuild the family that this person broke.”