In an incident that took place in Hastings, two men have been sentenced for their roles in a collision that left two teenagers with serious injuries. The collision, which occurred on Frederick Road, was the result of deliberate actions by Liam Hide, 22, and Dillon Beeching, 23.
The court heard how Beeching intentionally drove his vehicle across the path of the two teenage boys, who were riding on a stolen motorcycle. This reckless action led to a head-on collision, causing severe injuries to the boys, whose identities are protected for legal reasons.
In a disturbing turn of events, both Beeching and Hide proceeded to assault the injured teenagers on the ground, only stopping when bystanders intervened and the police arrived on the scene.
At Chichester Crown Court on January 19, the pair were found guilty and jailed for causing grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm with intent. This sentencing came after revelations that Hide, a former retail worker from Ashford Road, Hastings, had earlier reported his motorcycle stolen and threatened to harm those responsible if it was not found by midday.
In a coordinated effort, Hide met with Beeching, an unemployed resident of Grand Parade, Eastbourne, and they located the stolen motorcycle. Beeching, driving a blue BMW, then executed the dangerous maneuver that led to the collision.
The parents of the injured boys spoke out about the lasting impact of this incident. One mother expressed her anguish, stating, “You took the law into your own hands, and what you did was unforgivable. Now both you and our families have to suffer because of your reckless and evil behavior.”
Hide, found guilty after a trial, was sentenced to six years in prison, while Beeching, who admitted to the charges, received a sentence of five and a half years and a driving disqualification for over four years.
