Drink-Driver Jailed for Killing Teen Biker in Head-On Crash
A drunk driver who fatally crashed into a 19-year-old motorcyclist near Wisborough Green has been locked up for eight years.
Toby Spiring, slammed for being more than twice the legal alcohol limit, was driving his dad’s Mazda CX-5 when he smashed head-on into teen Aidan Venison on the B2133 at Newpound on 30 June 2024.
Tragic Crash Just Days Before Birthday
Aidan, from Billingshurst, was riding his Lexmoto bike home when Spiring recklessly tried to overtake on the narrow country road. The fatal smash happened just two days before Aidan’s 20th birthday.
Bystanders and emergency crews fought desperately to save him, but Aidan was pronounced dead at the scene.
Drink Driving Blamed for Deadly Smash
Spiring had spent the evening drinking at a Billingshurst pub before deciding to drive. Police tests showed he had more than double the legal booze limit in his blood.
At Lewes Crown Court on 14 October, Spiring pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was jailed for eight years – reduced from 12 for pleading early – and banned from driving for five years. He must pass an extended test to get back on the road.
Family Heartbroken and Police Warn Against Drink Driving
In emotional court statements, Aidan’s parents described their agony:
Darran Venison: “Aidan was a talented, funny, good-hearted soul. He had his whole life ahead of him — a life that Toby Spiring has destroyed.”
Tracey Venison: “You stole his future, and in turn you have destroyed mine. You have taken away my opportunity as a mum to watch my son grow. You have shattered our world.”
Judge Laing made it clear Aidan was riding safely and lawfully. The crash was caused solely by Spiring’s “disastrous decision to drive after drinking.”
Sussex Police labelled the case a tragic warning about drink-driving’s deadly dangers. A spokesperson vowed to step up road safety checks, especially ahead of Christmas, targeting drink and drug drivers to prevent more lives lost.
Aidan’s family urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving – to save others from enduring their heartbreak.
