Two young men have been convicted following the incident, which happened on the A271 near Battle – a 60mph single carriageway – on the evening of March 3, 2024.
A Vauxhall Corsa struck a tree on a bend and its engine was discovered some 50 metres away, such was the force of the impact.
Upon inspection, the vehicle’s speedometer was locked out at 86mph.
The Vauxhall driver, 20-year-old Miller Watts, of Skinners Lane, Catsfield, sustained multiple injuries including a fractured skull.
The driver of a Toyota Yaris also involved – though not directly in the collision – was identified as 20-year-old Charlie Young, of Lilac Lane, Stone Cross.
Both drivers were charged with dangerous driving, to which they pleaded guilty.
They appeared before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on April 27, where each of them was sentenced to a 12-month community order, requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
They were also disqualified from driving for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs totalling £199. They must take an extended re-test should they wish to drive again.
Investigating officer, PC Steve Kimber, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our roads are designed to enable motorists to get from A to B; they are not designed to be used as a race track. Doing so can lead to devastating consequences, and it’s extremely fortunate neither of the drivers – nor any other innocent road users – were killed or seriously injured in this case.
“Speeding is one of the most common causes of fatal and serious injury collisions, and this sort of behaviour will absolutely not be tolerated.
“The fact that both drivers must take an extended re-test should they wish to drive again demonstrates their clear ignorance to road safety. I hope they can learn from this mistake to ensure they improve the safety of themselves and others.”
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