Joel Sycamore: Surrey man cleared of causing Swindon driver's Grazely death

Luke Sterritt, of Nutwood, Betchworth, Surrey, was acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial in June of this year but was convicted of dangerous driving. 

This came following an incident on Mortimer Road, Grazeley on January 30, 2020, in which Joel Sycamore, aged 20, crashed his red Vauxhall Astra into a house and tragically died. 

Joel Sycamore. Image via Swindon Advertiser

Sterritt, 24, had been accused of causing Sycamore’s death after his friend and their colleagues from BMW Swindon raced home from a go-karting session. 

The Surrey man was in front of Sycamore when he came to a stop as the car in front of him turned suddenly. 

This caused Sycamore to overtake and the two drivers started speeding between 60 and 80mph on the greasy, poorly lit country road, which had a 40mph speed limit. 

Their vehicles were only four car lengths apart, a court heard, and Sycamore did not slow down as he approached a sweeping bend in the road. 

Joel Sycamore. Image via Swindon Advertiser

He lost control of his car at an estimated 80mph and crashed into a house, suffering fatal injuries. 

Sterritt was trained in first aid and attended to his friend before paramedics took over. 

Reading Crown Court heard how it was a ‘small comfort’ to Sycamore’s family that Sterritt was able to be with their son before he passed away, defence barrister Gavin Holme said. 

In her sentencing remarks, Her Honour Judge Norton noted that the jury determined there was ‘no link between your dangerous driving and Joel’s death.’

Sterritt, now head of site safety at a paintball company, was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for 12 months for one count of dangerous driving.

He was banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to take a re-test before he get back on the roads.

Paying tribute to their son following his death, the family of Joel Sycamore said in 2020: “He was kind, thoughtful, selfless and had a heart of gold.

“He was a beacon of light in the lives of so many, and there is a little light that has remained dark since he left this life.

“Joel brought happiness and love to the lives of countless individuals and the photos and videos shared from his friends have shown the sheer adoration and respect they all had for him. It fills our hearts with peace and joy that he was so happy in his life.”