Driver left victim suffering seizures
A BMW driver was racing through Sunderland city centre before he smashed into another motorist and seriously injured them.
Lloyd Hepurker was seen by witnesses racing another motorist at high speed near the Wearmouth Bridge at around 6pm on September 28, 2019. But as the 34-year-old went round a bend, he spun his BMW out of control, smashing through a barrier and into a woman who was driving a car
Hepurker smashed into the back of the woman’s vehicle and she later had to be cut out of the car by firefighters. But the crash caused lasting damage to the woman, w who suffered seizures following the incident and was left in a “constant state of confusion”. The victim also claims to have seen a complete change in her character, resulting in the breakdown of her relationship and working life.
On Monday, Hepurker, of Hazeldene Avenue, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to the charge at a previous hearing.
Andrew Finlay, prosecuting, said motorists saw Hepurker driving a black BMW at speed, alongside another BMW. Both cars were seen to be “revving hard, like the start of a race” at traffic lights before speeding away. One witness said Hepurker’s car pulled away first near to the Wearmouth Bridge. Mr Finlay said: “The black BMW got away first but lost control and spun sideways, almost hitting two people. The silver BMW stopped but then drove off.”
The court heard that a taxi driver also witnessed the smash, and estimated Hepurker was driving at up to “80mph to 90mph” beforehand. He said it was the “craziest and worst” case of driving he’d ever seen. Hepurker smashed into the woman’s car while her paramedic father was sitting in the passenger seat. The woman said she saw Hepurker’s BMW “drifting” towards her car before it smashed into her, resulting in “excruciating pain”. The woman’s father also sustained injuries.
Mr Finlay said the woman was taken to hospital and discharged the next day. But days later, she began to suffer seizures, as well as a mini stroke. She was again hospitalized, this time for four days, and had “numerous seizures”. She also battled shortterm memory loss and had to have psychological support. The court heard she suffered “profound emotional difficulties” and was in a “constant state of confusion”.
In a victim statement, the woman added that the crash “ruined my life” after her long term relationship broke down due to a change in her character. She also had to give up doing an MSc qualification at Durham University and suffered “debilitating and embarrassing symptoms” following the crash. Mr Finlay added that in January 2020, only a few months after the crash, Hepurker was convicted for careless driving after colliding with an elderly man. He also received a warning in 2017 for speeding.
Richard Bloomfield, defending, said Hepurker only had the BMW for a few days before the crash and it was far too powerful” for him. He said the incident left him “shocked” and he had shown “remorse for what he’s done”.
Mr Bloomfield added that Hepurker has children and being sent to prison would have an impact on his work and family life. Sentencing Hepurker, Judge Julie Clemison, said the crash had had “devastating consequences to many aspects” of the woman’s life. She jailed him for 20 months and banned him from driving for three years and 10 months. He must also sit an extended re-test.