A Hastings man has been sentenced after a reckless TikTok stunt left his friend with a serious brain injury.
Connor Pace, 23, met with a group of car enthusiasts at Ravenside Retail Park, Bexhill, on the evening of 17 January. The group had discussed a viral trend involving riding on the bonnet of a moving car.
Pace, a bus driver from St Helens Park Road, Hastings, allowed one of his friends to climb onto the bonnet of his Seat Leon while stationary. He then drove around the car park for approximately 17 seconds, during which the victim fell off and struck his head.
The man, from St Leonards, was taken to hospital by ambulance and did not regain consciousness for nearly a month. Doctors confirmed he had suffered a traumatic brain injury, requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care.
In an impact statement, the victim described being left severely affected both physically and mentally. His mother, who returned from Cornwall to care for him full-time, said the incident had changed her life forever.
Pace initially denied any wrongdoing but was later charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after an investigation that included witness statements and CCTV review. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.
On 26 November, Lewes Crown Court sentenced Pace to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, and will be electronically tagged between 8pm and 8am for eight weeks. If he wishes to drive again, Pace must pass an extended driving test.
Detective Constable David Symonds said:
“The actions of the defendant were mindless and irresponsible, reflected by the severity of the victim’s injuries. While Pace did not intend to cause serious harm, he should never have put himself or others in that situation. Cars are powerful machines capable of causing serious injury, and this incident has irreparably changed both lives.”
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