An Onchan man has been jailed for causing the death of a teenager by dangerous driving.
In emotional scenes at Douglas Courthouse on Friday afternoon, 18-year-old Brandon Gowland was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for causing the death of 17-year-old Brad Campbell.
The defendant, who was 17 at the time of the accident, lost control of his vehicle while travelling at high speed on the A24 Foxdale to Douglas road near the junction with Archallagan plantation on August 24, 2014.
Brad, of Groudle Road, Onchan, was one of three passengers in the Renault Clio, which became airborne before colliding with a house.
Describing it as ‘miraculous’ that anyone survived the crash, Deemster Alastair Montgomerie said: ‘On your own admission you took a number of risks in the way in which you drove. The constant theme of your driving that night was speed.’
Addressing the family of Brad Campbell in the public gallery, Deemster Montgomerie described his life as ‘priceless’.
He said: ‘No matter what sentence I impose today, it will not bring Brad back.
‘This has been a tragedy for everybody. There are no winners.’
Gowland was also sentenced to 12 months for an additional charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to another passenger. The sentences will run concurrently.
He had pleaded guilty to both charges at a previous hearing. He was also disqualified from driving for seven years.
Inspector Derek Flint, who was the senior investigating officer said: ‘In 25 years of policing, this was the worst road traffic collision scene I have ever dealt with.
‘I know that from the first witness that attended, to the last member of the emergency services, we were all affected that night.’
Apprentice plumber Brad, a former pupil at Ballakermeen High School, was a keen sportsman and was a member of Union Mills Football Club.