Guilt-ridden man who killed ‘best friend’ in tearful plea
TRADEGY: Shea Rourke and Jobie Haynes (Image: West Mercia Police/Susan Tustin) A MAN now behind bars for killing his best friend said he wanted people to read about his case and to not repeat his mistakes. As we previously reported[1] Shea Rourke, of Coates Drive, Pinvin, near Pershore, drove at speeds of over 100mph on the B4082 between Upton Snodsbury and Pinvin before crashing into a tree, killing front seat passenger Jobie Haynes, 26.
On Thursday, January 5, the 23-year-old was jailed at Worcester Crown Court. The court heard Rourke’s previous convictions included drug driving. That offence took place in 2020 when Rourke was given a 14-month driving ban.
Worcester News: JAILED: Shea Rourke
JAILED: Shea Rourke (Image: West Mercia Police) And Rourke, by admitting causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving a vehicle – driver unlicensed/uninsured at Kidderminster Magistrates Court last month, was also in breach of a suspended sentence. We reported on that case [2]in which Rourke was jailed for 22 months for possession of cocaine with intent to supply as well as possession of ketamine and cannabis, suspended for two years in October 2021.
Richard Davenport, defending Rourke, said the defendant had dreamt of Jobie, who he saw as a “brother” and his “best friend”, since his death. “He wishes he could put himself in Jobie’s position and he was dead,” the barrister said.
Worcester News: REMEMBERED: Jobie Haynes REMEMBERED: Jobie Haynes (Image: Susan Tustin)
Mr Davenport said Rourke was hoping his case and jail sentence would “act as a deterrent to others who read about this case”. “He can’t turn the clock back and bring Jobie back,” the prosecutor added. “He is remorseful.”
During the sentencing Rourke was in tears at times, including when Jobie’s mum, Susan Tustin, read out her victim personal statement.
Worcester News: TRIBUTES: The tributes left at the scene after the crash TRIBUTES: The tributes left at the scene after the crash (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest) As we have previously reported[3] she told the defendant: “Like Jobie I don’t do anger but the day after the accident, when I had to identify Jobie’s broken body, was the only day I have shown you anger Shea.
Story continues “I have never wished you any harm, and I don’t hate you. “I pray your time away will give you time to reflect and try to do better with your life, and make changes.
“I know Jobie would forgive you Shea.”
References
- ^ As we previously reported (www.worcesternews.co.uk)
- ^ We reported on that case (www.worcesternews.co.uk)
- ^ As we have previously reported (www.worcesternews.co.uk)