Drink-driver Thomas O'Brien Wood jailed for fatal wrong-way M42 crash

A drink-driver has been jailed for killing his passenger in a crash when he drove the wrong way on a motorway slip road into oncoming traffic.

Thomas O'Brien-Wood failed to stop for police on the A446 before joining the M42 and was driving dangerously, Warwickshire Police said.

Officers abandoned their pursuit for safety reasons but were told the car later crashed, killing Harry Smart, 20.

O'Brien-Wood was jailed for seven and a half years at Warwick Crown Court.

The 21-year-old previously admitted causing the death by dangerous driving on 4 October 2022 and was disqualified from driving for eight years and nine months.

O'Brien-Wood, from The Beck in Dudley, was driving a Ford Fiesta when West Midlands Police encountered him, but officers gave up the pursuit due to the manner of driving and the vehicle was lost.

However, a short time later, a 999 call to police stated the car had been involved in a collision when he drove it towards oncoming traffic on the wrong slip road onto the M42 at junction nine, Dunton Interchange.

The vehicle had collided with a vehicle, killing the front seat passenger.

O'Brien-Wood was intoxicated and tested positive for alcohol and cocaine, the force added.

Det Sgt Stephen Barr, from the serious collision investigation unit, said he welcomed the sentence although it would not compensate the family for their loss.

"The consequences of driving whilst under the influence of intoxicants added to the fact that O'Brien Wood failed to stop for police before driving the wrong way down a motorway slip road have been taken in to consideration of the judge today and are reflected in the sentencing," he said.

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