Sheffield: A 20-year-old driver, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for killing his passenger. Joshua Rafferty caused the death of 30-year-old Aiden Allen in a car crash in Doncaster on 26 July 2024.
Rafferty was speeding in a stolen Ford Mondeo with cloned plates when he lost control of the vehicle. The car collided with a lamppost and an electric box, leaving Allen dead at the scene. Rafferty was found to be both drunk and high on cocaine, and wraps of drugs were later discovered on his person.
Fatal Collision
Rafferty, driving on a provisional license with no insurance, was trapped inside the car after the crash. Police received an emergency call from Yorkshire Ambulance Service reporting the collision. Upon arrival, officers confirmed Allen had died from injuries sustained during the crash.
The investigation revealed that the car had been reported stolen and was not registered to Rafferty. Witnesses reported that the car had been speeding before the crash, contributing to the fatal accident.
Drug and Alcohol Influence
Rafferty’s blood tests showed he was intoxicated and had cocaine in his system at the time of the collision. This was confirmed by the authorities after a sample was taken at the hospital.
The investigation also revealed that Rafferty was in no condition to drive, as he was both unlicensed and under the influence. Despite this, he made the reckless decision to get behind the wheel, leading to Allen’s tragic death.
Court Sentencing
Rafferty was sentenced to nine years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on 7 April 2025. In addition to the prison term, Rafferty was also disqualified from driving for 15 years and three months.
PC Natalie Booler, the investigating officer, expressed her condolences to Allen’s family. She emphasized that driving under the influence is a leading cause of fatal accidents. Rafferty’s poor decisions on that night had a fatal consequence, she added.
High-Speed Risks
Rafferty’s actions highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Such behavior not only endangers the driver but also poses a significant risk to innocent passengers and others on the road.
The investigation revealed that Rafferty had control over the vehicle but made poor choices, resulting in a tragic loss. Despite being unfit to drive, he chose to operate the vehicle at high speed, leading to fatal consequences.
Public Safety Awareness
April marks the month when South Yorkshire police highlight the Fatal 4 offences, which contribute to serious accidents. These include driving under the influence, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.
PC Booler called on the public to be more responsible on the roads, stressing that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. She urged everyone not to believe that accidents can’t happen to them and to make better choices to reduce road casualties.
Road Safety Campaign
The police continue to educate the public on road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. Rafferty’s case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of making reckless decisions behind the wheel.
Authorities are working to reduce road deaths and injuries by raising awareness of the Fatal 4 offences and promoting safer driving habits across South Yorkshire.
