Death crash driver Ryan Grace avoids jail

12:10pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

Hussein Shamshudin Hussein Shamshudin

A TEENAGE driver whose careless driving killed a friend and left another brain-damaged was this week spared jail.

Ryan Grace had been showing off at the wheel of his mum's car in Seer Green before slamming sideways into a tree after losing control on a bend, Aylesbury Crown Court heard.

The 19-year-old had told one of the passengers: "I'll show you how I drive in Norfolk," before accelerating along Longbottom Lane in the Citroen C4, the court heard.

Hussein Shamshudin, 17, died after the crash in February last year. Another passenger Rory Scarlett suffered severe head injuries and was in a coma for a month, while Elliot Cartwright was left with a badly wounded arm.

Grace, of Derehams Avenue, Loudwater, was given a 20-week suspended jail sentence at a hearing on Tuesday, as well as a two-and-a-half year driving ban and 250 hours of unpaid work.

He was described as "a broken young man" by his defence barrister, who told the judge "there can be no greater punishment than Ryan Grace carrying the death of Hussein Shamshudin with him for the rest of his life."

The court heard he had been offered the chance to join the police, but the offer was rescinded following his conviction.

Judge Francis Sheridan told him: "You were showing off....You dropped from the high standards required to pass a test and, if I may say so, from the high standards of your upbringing."

Meanwhile the judge hailed the paramedics, police officers and John Radcliffe hospital staff who cared for Rory Scarlett, as heroes.

He also praised Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham, which the three male passengers attended, for their response to the incident.

After the hearing Rory Scarlett’s family said the sentence was ‘fair’ and mum Laura added: "Any parents of teenagers know these kinds of things can and do happen and it has happened to us."

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But she said Rory had made "a pretty-much miraculous recovery" after being severely brain damaged.

Meanwhile, the Scarlett family have criticised the solicitors who advised Grace to answer 'no comment' in police interviews - CLICK HERE

Comments (17)

12:57pm Thu 14 Feb 13

RenegadeJ007 says...

British legal system is a farce. The only people to get punished is the victims ! Criminals keep getting away by being awarded the most unduly sentence and then get the further benefits of getting it cut by half, so they can come out early and pick up where they left off !!! 250 hours of unpaid work is exactly the same as what these juvenile wannabe thugs usually commit to anyway by driving around endlessly in circles around their housing estates. So all in all, this great British law system of ours has let a criminal who killed one person and permanently disabled another walks away scot free !!! Whilst his victims' families have been left torn apart . Hats off to the wig wearing clowns in the court !
British legal system is a farce. The only people to get punished is the victims ! Criminals keep getting away by being awarded the most unduly sentence and then get the further benefits of getting it cut by half, so they can come out early and pick up where they left off !!! 250 hours of unpaid work is exactly the same as what these juvenile wannabe thugs usually commit to anyway by driving around endlessly in circles around their housing estates. So all in all, this great British law system of ours has let a criminal who killed one person and permanently disabled another walks away scot free !!! Whilst his victims' families have been left torn apart . Hats off to the wig wearing clowns in the court ! RenegadeJ007

1:05pm Thu 14 Feb 13

sparky49 says...

Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge.
Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.
Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system. sparky49

1:05pm Thu 14 Feb 13

sparky49 says...

Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge.
Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.
Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system. sparky49

1:07pm Thu 14 Feb 13

williamjames says...

I wonder if the firm was Hine and Co.
Whilst is is for the prosecution to prove a case beyond reasonable boubt the practice of recommending 'no comment' interviews by certain firms of solicitors is highly questionable.

If a person pleads guilty at the first opportunity, normally in the Magistrates Court, they normally get the maximum discount on sentence because thay have admitted their guilt, taken responsibility for their actions and saved the country the expense of further court hearings and a prpobable trial.

The solicitors who recommend no comment interviews appear to be using the practice as a method of lining their pockets. A guily plea would normally entail 2 cour hearings, whiclst a no comment interview leading to to nidication of plea in the Magistrates Court cold entail som 4 or 5 attendences and the commensurate payment of leagal aid fees to the solicitors.
I wonder if the firm was Hine and Co. Whilst is is for the prosecution to prove a case beyond reasonable boubt the practice of recommending 'no comment' interviews by certain firms of solicitors is highly questionable. If a person pleads guilty at the first opportunity, normally in the Magistrates Court, they normally get the maximum discount on sentence because thay have admitted their guilt, taken responsibility for their actions and saved the country the expense of further court hearings and a prpobable trial. The solicitors who recommend no comment interviews appear to be using the practice as a method of lining their pockets. A guily plea would normally entail 2 cour hearings, whiclst a no comment interview leading to to nidication of plea in the Magistrates Court cold entail som 4 or 5 attendences and the commensurate payment of leagal aid fees to the solicitors. williamjames

1:12pm Thu 14 Feb 13

miccles says...

He was described as "a broken young man" by his defence barrister, who told the judge "there can be no greater punishment than Ryan Grace carrying the death of Hussein Shamshudin with him for the rest of his life."

Any thought of what the shamshudin family are suffering your honour???
He was described as "a broken young man" by his defence barrister, who told the judge "there can be no greater punishment than Ryan Grace carrying the death of Hussein Shamshudin with him for the rest of his life." Any thought of what the shamshudin family are suffering your honour??? miccles

1:31pm Thu 14 Feb 13

thethe says...

Do the commentators here want justice or revenge?
Do the commentators here want justice or revenge? thethe

1:39pm Thu 14 Feb 13

pennman says...

sparky49 wrote:
Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.
idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway?
It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere.
[quote][p][bold]sparky49[/bold] wrote: Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.[/p][/quote]idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway? It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere. pennman

1:46pm Thu 14 Feb 13

CraziiChloo says...

'Broken young man' that didn't admit straight off what he had done?

Oh and I've never known someone that shows remorse happily living his life as normal...

I guess he was lucky to get off with what he got but honestly should have got more...
'Broken young man' that didn't admit straight off what he had done? Oh and I've never known someone that shows remorse happily living his life as normal... I guess he was lucky to get off with what he got but honestly should have got more... CraziiChloo

2:32pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Sparkles26 says...

A very close friend of mine was in the same hospital as the young man Rory Scarlett who was severely disabled in this incident, he is a lovely lad who against all odds has recovered incredibly however he will probably continue to require alot of care as will my friend who was seriously brain damaged in a senseless attack six months ago. We too have been faced with the scumbag who committed this crime being advised by his solicitors to go " no comment" during all police interviews. It seems to me that solicitors these days have forgotten about the morality of truly representing innocent from guilty and instead see it as a profiteering opportunity. That said if you are old enough to commit such crimes then in my mind you are old enough to know right from wrong and therefore own responsibility for your wrong doings without having to be instructed by a solicitor!
A very close friend of mine was in the same hospital as the young man Rory Scarlett who was severely disabled in this incident, he is a lovely lad who against all odds has recovered incredibly however he will probably continue to require alot of care as will my friend who was seriously brain damaged in a senseless attack six months ago. We too have been faced with the scumbag who committed this crime being advised by his solicitors to go " no comment" during all police interviews. It seems to me that solicitors these days have forgotten about the morality of truly representing innocent from guilty and instead see it as a profiteering opportunity. That said if you are old enough to commit such crimes then in my mind you are old enough to know right from wrong and therefore own responsibility for your wrong doings without having to be instructed by a solicitor! Sparkles26

4:44pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Mr Totterdge Hill says...

Lucky eh?
Lucky eh? Mr Totterdge Hill

4:55pm Thu 14 Feb 13

craig239 says...

Did he set out to kill his friend, Was it a deliberate action? My conclusion is that kids at 17 do not have the maturity to get in cars and drive sensibly. Raise the minimum age.
Did he set out to kill his friend, Was it a deliberate action? My conclusion is that kids at 17 do not have the maturity to get in cars and drive sensibly. Raise the minimum age. craig239

5:26pm Thu 14 Feb 13

buser says...

My enduring memory of this tragic accident, is the publication of a tribute written by the Shamshudin family. They spoke about their faith, their love for their son, their concern for the injured and for the young driver involved. Through their great personal grief, they still had compassion and love and no thoughts of retribution just forgiveness. I am not a member of their faith, I too am so very sorry that two other youngsters were so terribly injured, but that family certainly taught me what true humility and forgiveness is about.
My enduring memory of this tragic accident, is the publication of a tribute written by the Shamshudin family. They spoke about their faith, their love for their son, their concern for the injured and for the young driver involved. Through their great personal grief, they still had compassion and love and no thoughts of retribution just forgiveness. I am not a member of their faith, I too am so very sorry that two other youngsters were so terribly injured, but that family certainly taught me what true humility and forgiveness is about. buser

5:42pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Big ants says...

I do not think we should be saying anything. we do not know the in's and out's of the situation and as previously said, he has to carry the death of his best friend for the rest of his life.
I do not think we should be saying anything. we do not know the in's and out's of the situation and as previously said, he has to carry the death of his best friend for the rest of his life. Big ants

1:55am Fri 15 Feb 13

shaky2 says...

what a sentence NOT you get more for being uninsured no tax and a bold tyre he should not ever be able to drive again
what a sentence NOT you get more for being uninsured no tax and a bold tyre he should not ever be able to drive again shaky2

12:16pm Fri 15 Feb 13

sparky49 says...

pennman wrote:
sparky49 wrote:
Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.
idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway?
It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere.
The lad made a mistake! That's why he went "no comment" all the way through, that really was showing remorse from a broken man.
If you want to make a comment on a free forum like the BFP, try not to start off with insults as it waters down your opinion and say's rather a lot about the poster.
[quote][p][bold]pennman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sparky49[/bold] wrote: Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.[/p][/quote]idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway? It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere.[/p][/quote]The lad made a mistake! That's why he went "no comment" all the way through, that really was showing remorse from a broken man. If you want to make a comment on a free forum like the BFP, try not to start off with insults as it waters down your opinion and say's rather a lot about the poster. sparky49

2:25pm Fri 15 Feb 13

buser says...

When the parents involved, and those who were injured and suffered are not judgemental, they can manage 'there but for the grace .... go my child/ I, and they forgive, isn't it sad that those who were not involved feel that they should be allowed to pass sentence and condemn.
When the parents involved, and those who were injured and suffered are not judgemental, they can manage 'there but for the grace .... go my child/ I, and they forgive, isn't it sad that those who were not involved feel that they should be allowed to pass sentence and condemn. buser

12:12pm Sat 16 Feb 13

Robert.M says...

sparky49 wrote:
pennman wrote:
sparky49 wrote: Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.
idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway? It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere.
The lad made a mistake! That's why he went "no comment" all the way through, that really was showing remorse from a broken man. If you want to make a comment on a free forum like the BFP, try not to start off with insults as it waters down your opinion and say's rather a lot about the poster.
Made a mistake, shows remorse? I dont thinks so, he knew exactly what he was doing when showing of to his mates and driving like a pillock.
As for showing remorse wheres the evidence of that, he has not even offered an apology.
He has ruined the the life of one young man and taken the life of another in a display of total disregard for the lives of others.
He should have been done for manslaughter and sent to prison for a long time and banned from driving for ever at the end of the day by his actions he caused the death and disability of another.
[quote][p][bold]sparky49[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]pennman[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]sparky49[/bold] wrote: Reading between the lines it seems to me another example of a privileged upbringing. Yob from sink estate 3 years in prison, well to do family, 250 hours unpaid work, throw in "no comment" (in some cases a sign of guilt) and hey presto no porridge. Don't you just love our two tier judicial system.[/p][/quote]idiot- the lad made a mistake, tragic, but a mistake. He has to carry the death of his friend around for the rest of his life. How do you know he has had a priviledged upbringing anyway? It is deeply upsetting for all involved, so why make this into some sort of 'class war' argument. Leave your agenda elsewhere.[/p][/quote]The lad made a mistake! That's why he went "no comment" all the way through, that really was showing remorse from a broken man. If you want to make a comment on a free forum like the BFP, try not to start off with insults as it waters down your opinion and say's rather a lot about the poster.[/p][/quote]Made a mistake, shows remorse? I dont thinks so, he knew exactly what he was doing when showing of to his mates and driving like a pillock. As for showing remorse wheres the evidence of that, he has not even offered an apology. He has ruined the the life of one young man and taken the life of another in a display of total disregard for the lives of others. He should have been done for manslaughter and sent to prison for a long time and banned from driving for ever at the end of the day by his actions he caused the death and disability of another. Robert.M

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