Speeding motorist jailed after killing best friend in fireball

Paul Hepworth sustained 80 per cent burns after crawling out of his blazing vehicle.

Thanks to the quick thinking of a local resident he was doused with a hosepipe. With excellent medical help he miraculously survived the accident which killed his long-term friend David Brook, 27. But 10 operations later he still has to have regular physiotherapy and other medical treatment and faces even more surgery.

Another passenger Kelly Fox also suffered burns when Hepworth's Vauxhall Vectra overturned and burst into flames after he lost control, hit a tree and a lamp post on December 14, 2008.

Leeds Crown Court heard she was rescued by her father Martin who had not seen her for three and a half years before the events of that night.

It was estimated Hepworth was driving at more than 70mph prior to the crash in Broadway, Lupset, a 30 mph zone.

Richard Clews told the court in mitigation that Hepworth was deeply ashamed his driving had caused his friend's death that trauma would remain with him but his own suffering was "terrible." He was in constant pain, needed help on a daily basis and was scarred both physically and psychologically.

Mr Clews said neither Miss Fox nor Mr Brook's family or friends wanted to see Hepworth in jail for what he had done. He urged the judge to impose a suspended jail term. Hepworth, 25 of Lindsay Avenue, Lupset, Wakefield, admitted causing the death of Mr Brook by dangerous driving.

Jailing him and disqualifying him from driving for four years Judge Paul Hoffman said there had to be an immediate jail term to reflect his culpability.

"You alone are responsible for this terrible happening because you threw caution to the winds, you drove at greatly excessive and criminally irresponsible speed."

Mr Brook had died before the fire started, Miss Fox suffered 23 per cent burns "and you yourself cheated death by the narrowest of margins". He accepted Hepworth's condition would make it difficult for him in prison but said it was up to the prison service to put him in a place where that could be managed.

Heather Gilmore, prosecuting, said Hepworth had reluctantly agreed to give Mr Brook and Miss Fox a lift from the Malt Shovel pub to her home.

On the way they went to Mr Brook's home in Magdalene Road, Lupset, so he could collect some cans to take with him.

A motorist who was overtaken by Hepworth shortly before the accident said he had seen him "put his foot down".

Miss Fox told police he lost control and was "fighting the steering wheel".

The car crashed into a tree and lamppost, overturned and immediately burst into flames.

She was helped to scramble free through a broken window with her arm on fire. Her father suffered burns to his hands.

Miss Fox said she still suffers flashbacks but believed Hepworth had suffered enough because of his own injuries. "To put him in prison will cause him further heartache."