Morecambe man jailed for tragic fatal crash that killed local father travelling in taxi
- Perry Richardson
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
A man has been jailed for causing the death of a well-known Morecambe father in a high-speed collision while driving a stolen car.
Jez Shepherd, 23, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court to 15 years in prison for causing the death of 50-year-old Wayne Putley in August this year. He will serve 12 years in custody and must spend a minimum of eight before being eligible for parole. Shepherd will remain on an extended licence for a further three years and has been banned from driving for 16 years. He must also take an extended test before being allowed back on the road.
The court heard that Shepherd stole a Fiat Punto earlier that day and drove around Morecambe at dangerous speeds. He made off without paying for fuel, was more than twice the drink drive limit and was also under the influence of drugs. Moments before the fatal crash on Westgate, he was travelling at nearly 90mph in a 30mph zone.
Mr Putley, a father of three, was a passenger in a taxi when it was struck by the stolen vehicle. He suffered serious injuries and died shortly after being taken to hospital despite efforts from emergency services.
Shepherd admitted causing death by dangerous driving, burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, making off without payment and causing death while unlicensed and uninsured.
Mr Putley was described by family as a “loveable rogue with a kind heart” and an award-winning dry stone waller with a passion for the outdoors and animals, particularly dogs. He volunteered at a local homeless shelter and church and spent his spare time DJ’ing online, paddleboarding and off-road motorbiking.
In a statement, his family said his death had left a “massive hole” in their lives, adding that the tragedy was “completely avoidable”. They said Shepherd’s actions showed “absolute disregard for anything or anyone” and that the car had become a “deadly weapon” in his hands.
Mr Putley’s sister Jeanette, to whom he was very close, also died earlier this year.
Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Martin Wilcock, of the Specialist Operations team, said: "First and foremost my thoughts today are with Mr Putley’s family who have lost a clearly very well-loved man in tragic circumstances. I want to thank them for conducting themselves with dignity throughout these proceedings.
“Jez Shepherd was clearly intoxicated and drove a stolen car at incredibly dangerous speeds before colliding with the taxi in which Mr Putley was a passenger with tragic and catastrophic consequences.
“No sentence can ever bring a loved one back or make up for the loss of a life, but I hope that this significant jail term gives Mr Putley’s loved ones some sense that justice has been served and gives Mr Shepherd time to reflect on his devastating actions on that fateful day.”
