Victim seriously injured in ditch crash as pair tried to cover up their actions
A father and son have been jailed following a serious crash near Pevensey which left a young woman with serious injuries.
Luic Buckley-Barber, 19, of Maresfield Drive, Pevensey, lost control of an unroadworthy Ford Escort after driving recklessly and speeding, flipping the car into a water-filled ditch on 28 April 2023.
Instead of calling emergency services, he contacted his father Jason Barber, 46, who drove him home before later taking the injured woman to hospital. During the drive, the woman overheard them inventing a false story, claiming the crash was caused by swerving to avoid an animal.
When police attended their address, Jason lied about his son’s whereabouts, and Luic only contacted officers 12 hours later, repeating the fabricated story.
An investigation revealed mobile footage showing Luic driving dangerously before the crash, and messages confirming Jason had deliberately hidden his son.
Both men admitted their charges at Lewes Crown Court on 30 May:
- Luic Buckley-Barber: 16 months in prison, 3-year driving ban for causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Jason Barber: 27 months in prison for perverting the course of justice
PC Jessica Crump, from the Roads Policing Unit, said:
“The father and son showed no regard for the victim’s welfare and tried to protect themselves. Dangerous driving can cost lives, and this case shows we will pursue justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.”
