Joshua Smith: Drug driver who killed Andy Hirons in crash sentenced

Joshua Smith, 31, has been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the specified limit at Worcester Crown Court. On August 15, 2024, Smith, of Holloway, Pershore, had been driving his BMW 120D from junction 6 of the M5 towards Pershore when he lost control of the vehicle, crashing into two motorcyclists travelling in the opposite direction. After losing control while going round a bend, Smith car was propelled onto the opposite carriageway, where he first struck a Triumph Bonneville motorbike, leaving rider Suzanne Rooney with life-changing injuries, before crashing into Mr Hirons' Yamaha motorbike.

Mr Hirons,[1] who was 52 at the time, was thrown from his bike and pronounced dead by emergency services at the scene. His family described Mr Hirons, from Evesham, as a proud grandad and devoted husband. SENTENCE: Retired firefighter Andy Hirons, pictured with his wife Tracey, was killed after Joshua Smith lost control of his BMW in August 2024 (Image: Kim Walker)

A roadside drug test completed at the scene found Smith had been under the influence of cocaine. During the investigation, Smith's BMW was found to have significantly reduced brake performance, which could result in an increased stopping distance or even total brake failure. The grooves on his tyres, which help to disperse water and reduce the chance of losing control in wet weather, were also found to have less than the legal tread depth, with some grooves just one-eighth of the legal depth.

EVIDENCE: Joshua Smith's BMW after the fatal crash (Image: West Mercia Police) Smith appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, where he admitted[2] to causing Mr Hirons' death. SENTENCED: Joshua Smith (Image: West Mercia Police)

Today (Thursday), he was sentenced to six years in prison and disqualified from driving for eight years by Judge Gilmore.

Detective sergeant Rose Hughes said: "No sentence can ever compensate for the tragic loss of life in this case, but we hope that the term handed to Smith will go some way to seeing justice done for Andrew's family and friends.

"We hope this sentence and the tragic outcome will teach a sobering lesson about the reason for not taking drugs before getting behind the wheel, and how important it is to maintain your vehicle."

References

1. ^ Mr Hirons, (www.worcesternews.co.uk)
2. ^ admitted (www.worcesternews.co.uk)