Driver jailed for killing pedestrian while speeding at 113mph in 40mph zone

Ryan Selby was seen overtaking several vehicles as he drove along the A259.

General view of Lewes Crown Court (Tom Pugh/PA) (PA Archive)

A dangerous driver who reached “ludicrous” speeds of up to 113mph in a 40mph zone has been jailed for causing the death of an “irreplaceable” father-of-three.

Ryan Selby was seen overtaking several vehicles as he drove along the A259 in Hastings, East Sussex, before he entered a white cross-hatched area and crashed into Oli Paxton as he was crossing the road.

The victim, described as a “beloved husband, wonderful father and cherished friend”, died at the scene of the incident on March 9 2021.

Selby, of Burry Road, St Leonards, pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to dangerous driving and was jailed for seven and a half years and was banned from driving for eight years and three months.

The factory worker was estimated to have been driving at speeds of between 107mph and 113mph and had struck Mr Paxton without braking.

Sentencing the 23-year-old, Judge Christine Laing KC, said: “You showed a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and for how dangerous your driving was to other road users, your utter disregard is staggering.

“I am in no doubt you did not see Oli Paxton due to your ludicrous speeds, despite the fact it was a residential area with two schools in the vicinity.”

Police investigator Tudor Wells, of Sussex Police, said: “This incident has had a devastating impact on the family of a much-loved father and husband.

“Selby habitually drove recklessly, and on March 9 2021, this had tragic consequences which demonstrate the appalling consequences of driving at excess speed.

Mr Paxton’s widow Jill Paxton said: “When Oli was killed, mine and my children’s lives were irreparably destroyed and sadly, the justice system cannot convict for this unaccounted damage.

“Oli was selfless, easy-going and authentic; a man of unending generosity, a devoted husband and a fun-loving father who can never be replaced.

“By speeding at 110mph in a 40mph zone, he showed a complete disregard for the lives of others and his reckless behaviour inevitably robbed me of my husband and my three young boys of their father.

“I can only hope that Ryan is haunted by this experience, preventing him from ever again inflicting danger on others.

“May Oli’s death serve as a reminder to those who take risks when driving.

“A car can be a lethal weapon and your actions could have unthinkable consequences.”