Dangerous driver jailed for killing dad and son in Barnsley
36-year-old Paul Yates has been sentenced to 12 years in jail
A man has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to killing a dad and son in a crash in Barnsley.
36-year-old Paul Yates got behind the wheel of his car, while uninsured and only holding a provisional driving licence.
He tried to overtake a vehicle on a single carriageway, when he crashed into 44-year-old Dean Jones and 16-year-old Lewis Daines, who were out cycling at the time.
Yates then fled the scene.
A South Yorkshire Police Spokesperson said:
"Paul Yates, 36, got behind the wheel of his car while uninsured and only holding a provisional driving licence. He killed an innocent father and son, before continuing to drive and injuring a woman and her children.
"Yates made the devastating decision to get into his Volkswagen Golf on Friday 20 January 2023, after spending the evening socialising in Barnsley.
"Around 9pm, Yates was driving along Royston Road in Barnsley. He attempted to overtake a vehicle on a single carriageway, during which he lost control of the car and left the carriageway, travelling at speed towards father and son, Dean Jones, 44, and Lewis Daines, 16, who were out cycling together.
"Following the collision, continuing his lack of respect and remorse, Yates got out of his car, walked over to Dean and Lewis who laid critically injured on the ground before getting back in his car and fleeing the scene.
"Witnesses stayed with Dean and Lewis and called for help. CCTV footage shows Yates’ car extremely damaged and him continuing to drive it with the bonnet flying up and blocking his view out of his windscreen.
"A short time later, Yates was involved in another collision with a Volkswagen Tiguan. He collided into the back of the car at speed, leaving children inside frightened and shocked as he drove off again and started his attempts to evade police action.
"A wanted appeal was published for Yates and after 11 days on the run, he was arrested by roads policing officers.
"An extensive investigation into securing justice for Dean and Lewis’ family ensured that evidence put towards Yates gave him no option but to plead guilty."
Lead Investigating Officer, Sergeant John Taylor from the Serious Collisions Unit, said:
“Throughout this investigation, Dean, Lewis and their family have remained at the heart of our inquiry, alongside ensuring Yates cannot cause any further harm to our communities.
“Following the collision, witnesses helped us to identify Yates and confirm his involvement, with extensive enquiries leading us to discover that he was travelling more than the 30mph limit, and had been drinking prior.
“This helped us build a strong case against him and ensure he was brought before the courts.”
Yates, of Manor Road, Barnsley, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Monday (20 May) charged with causing the deaths by dangerous driving and a separate count of dangerous driving. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison, reduced from 18 years due to his early guilty plea.
He was also disqualified from driving for 13 years.
Sgt Taylor continued:
“Our thoughts remain with Dean and Lewis’ family. As their heartache continues, they have showed immense strength in supporting us to bring Yates to justice. Thankfully, the occupants of the Volkswagen Tiguan were not serious injured during the collision.
"Yates’ decisions on that evening has left a family without two of their loved ones. I am glad his sentence reflects his poor actions.
“Dean and Lewis lost their lives and Yates has now lost his freedom for some considerable time. His children and family will also be affected because of his actions on that night.”