Luton man had TikTok videos playing on phone when he caused Herts crash that left firefighter paralysed

Samuel Powell, aged 29, of The Belfry, Luton, was travelling northbound along the A41 Northwestern Avenue in Watford, at the junction with the A405, when he struck a cyclist who was on his way to work.

The collision happened at around 8.40am on Friday 18 August 2023.

The cyclist, who was 25 at the time and helped at the scene by an off-duty police officer, was rushed to hospital by paramedics having sustained serious injuries. He will rely on a wheelchair for life after being paralysed from below his belly button.

Determined to stay active, he has since joined a wheelchair triathlon club as he continues his rehabilitation.

Following the collision, Powell was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The 29-year-old denied the offence but was found guilty following a two-day trial at St Albans Crown Court in September.

The court heard how Powell’s mobile phone was displaying TikTok videos around the time of the collision, with detectives proving there was no phone holder in his vehicle.

At a sentencing hearing at St Albans Crown Court today, Powell was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment. He has also been banned from driving for two years once released and will have to take an extended re-test.

Detective Constable James McAlister, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I wish to commend the victim for the bravery and courage he has shown over the last three years. His enthusiasm to find the positives in life are nothing short of inspiring.

“Powell’s denial of the offences meant the victim was forced to go through the ordeal of a criminal trial, and I hope today’s result goes some way in providing closure.

"This case also highlights the harm associated with dangerous driving and I hope this sentence serves as a warning to others about the devastating consequences of such behaviour.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary is running a campaign called ‘A Split Second’ to raise awareness of the ‘fatal five’. These are the main contributory factors that cause serious road traffic collisions. They are careless driving, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or other hand-held devices and speeding.

The constabulary is working on the campaign with the family of Callum Dix, a young father who was tragically killed when two other motorists decided to race. Find out more about the campaign on the Herts Police website.