UPDATE: A tragic accident has led to the sentencing of 19-year-old Corey Owen Cooper to five years in prison for causing the death of his friend, 17-year-old Josh Atkins, just a day after obtaining his driving license. The incident occurred on November 11, 2023, in the Stannington area of Sheffield, leaving another friend, Gabe Wiggett, seriously injured.
In a harrowing moment captured during court proceedings, Cooper was heard exclaiming, “What have I done? I’ve killed my best friend,” immediately following the crash. The court revealed that all three young men were just 17 years old when the fatal accident unfolded.
According to Sheffield Crown Court, Cooper was performing dangerous maneuvers, including “wheel spins” in his grandfather’s Fiat Grande Punto, before losing control. Prosecutor Ian West stated that Cooper’s reckless driving reached speeds of approximately 53mph in a 20mph zone on Myers Grove Lane. Eyewitness accounts described the vehicle as “shooting off” before the crash, with one female motorist reporting, “He went that fast we lost sight of him.”
The crash resulted in the Fiat overturning and Cooper emerging covered in blood, visibly distraught. He had previously been noted driving at speeds nearing 80mph near Bradfield School earlier that evening. Friends had also observed dashboard warning lights illuminated for over an hour prior to the collision, indicating a malfunction in the car’s ABS system.
During sentencing, Judge Jeremy Richardson KC emphasized the gravity of Cooper’s actions, stating, “This case should be called to the attention of all young people who have just passed the driving test.” He condemned Cooper’s behavior as “truly appalling” and highlighted the immense human tragedy resulting from his reckless choices. “A young life has been ended. Another two lives have been ruined. For what? Showing off to friends,” the judge remarked.
The emotional impact of this incident reverberates through the community, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving, particularly among young, inexperienced drivers. The court’s decision sends a powerful message about the responsibilities that come with obtaining a driving license.
As the community mourns the loss of Josh Atkins, attention now turns to the broader implications for road safety and the urgent need for increased awareness among young drivers regarding the risks of reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
