Driver of car which hit Bailey Chadwick in Yorkshire Dales admitted drinking alcohol before driving
The driver of a car which hit 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge in the Yorkshire Dales has admitted he had been drinking alcohol before he got behind the wheel.
At a trial held at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 25-year-old Joseph Henry Stott changed his plea to guilty regarding driving whilst over the prescribed limit for alcohol.
Significantly, this had been determined by a forward calculation due to the defendant not being arrested until four days following the collision.
It is the first time such a conviction has been secured by North Yorkshire Police using the forward calculation method.
The incident happened on the B6265 at Lupton Bank, between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses, during in the early hours of Sunday July 20, 2025.
North Yorkshire Police launched an intensive suspected fatal hit-and-run investigation which led to the arrest of Stott.
He denied two other charges of failing to stop at a road accident and failing to report a road accident.
This was accepted by the court following the guilty plea for the drink-driving offence.
He had previously admitted to driving without insurance.
Stott was banned from driving for 20 months, given a Community Order (12-month supervision order), 135 hours of unpaid work, and an alcohol tag for 80 days.
Detective Inspector Jill Cowling, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Before anything else, I want to acknowledge Bailey's family and loved ones. The loss of a child, sibling, family member or friend in such sudden and tragic circumstances is something no family should ever have to endure.
“Throughout this investigation, our thoughts have remained with Bailey's family as they continue to navigate the profound grief, trauma and loss caused by his death.
“I thank the community of Pateley Bridge and the wider public for the support they provided throughout what has been a complex and extensive investigation. The information, assistance and patience shown by local residents and members of the public were invaluable in helping investigators establish the circumstances surrounding this collision.”
DI Cowling added: “This investigation required a significant commitment from officers and staff across North Yorkshire Police, and I would like to acknowledge the professionalism, dedication and determination shown by all those involved.
“In particular, I would like to recognise the outstanding work of the Family Liaison Officer who has provided compassionate and unwavering support to Bailey's family throughout the investigation, often during the most difficult moments of their lives.
“I am also immensely proud of my investigation team and the many specialist departments who contributed their expertise, including roads policing officers, forensic specialists, intelligence staff, communications teams, and police staff who worked tirelessly to ensure every possible line of enquiry was pursued.
“While the outcome at court cannot ease the pain suffered by Bailey's family, it demonstrates our commitment to conducting thorough and professional investigations and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“Bailey's death is also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when individuals choose to drive after consuming alcohol.
“Every road death leaves behind families, friends and communities whose lives are changed forever.
“Road safety is everyone's responsibility, and we would urge all motorists to consider the potentially life-changing consequences of their decisions before getting behind the wheel.
“Finally, I would like to pay tribute to Bailey. At the centre of this investigation was a young man whose life was tragically cut short. Our thoughts remain firmly with those who knew and loved him."