Second motorist, Dannie O’Leary, jailed over crash that killed George Greaves on the A338, near Ringwood, amid ‘racing’ reports

A second motorist has been jailed over a fatal crash near Ringwood which happened after the drivers “appeared to be racing”.

Police slammed Dannie O’Leary’s “reckless and inconsiderate driving” after he was put behind bars for 14 years and four months, a year after the collision which claimed the life of George Greaves (31) from Hampshire.

As reported by the A&T in October last year, Yusuf Muzil (23), from Cricklewood, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

He admitted causing death by dangerous driving and two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after the smash on the northbound A338, near the Ashley Heath roundabout, around 9.25pm on 15th June 2023.

Muzil was at the wheel of a Lexus GS300 which crashed into with the back of a Nissan Micra, in which Mr Greaves was front passenger.

It hit the Micra with such force it was sent plunging off the road and into a verge.

Mr Greaves was pronounced dead at the scene, and two of his fellow occupants were hospitalised with serious injuries.

Officers’ enquiries revealed witnesses saw the Lexus and two other vehicles speeding at over 80mph moments before the crash.

O’Leary was identified as the driver of one of the other two vehicles, a Mercedes AMG.

The 30-year-old, from London, was arrested in Reading on 6th November, with help from Metropolitan Police.

He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bournemouth Crown court sent O’Leary down after he pleaded guilty during a trial yesterday (Wednesday).

He was also disqualified for 12 years and two months, with the ban due to start when he is released from prison.

Witnesses had told how O’Leary’s Mercedes appeared to be racing with the Lexus before the collision, with the two vehicles undertaking traffic and swerving between lanes at high speed.

The cars were said to have been travelling “like a bullet”, with onlookers feeling they were “going to kill someone”.

As the two vehicles came up behind the Nissan carrying Mr Greaves, the Mercedes swerved into the nearside lane to undertake it while the Lexus collided with the Micra’s nearside, causing it to lose control.

O’Leary did not stop and drove off from the scene.

The driver of the third vehicle, also seen speeding before the collision, is due to be sentenced at the same court on a date yet to be decided.

The 29-year-old man from Solihull in the West Midlands has admitted a charge of dangerous driving.

Speaking after O’Leary’s sentencing, roads policing Sgt Dave Cotterill said: “Our thoughts remain very much with the family of George Greaves and those who were seriously injured as a result of this collision.

“We have been determined to identify all of those involved in this shocking incident and through our extensive enquiries we have been able to track down the motorists involved and hold them to account.

“Dannie O’Leary’s reckless and inconsiderate driving undoubtedly was a significant factor in causing this collision, which has had truly devastating consequences for the family and loved ones of Mr Greaves.”

He continued: “We will continue to do everything in our power to identify those who commit offences on our road network and ensure the families of those affected see them face justice for their actions.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the family of Mr Greaves, as well as the other victims in this case, for the way they have supported this investigation and the dignified way they have conducted themselves throughout the court process.

“I also want to thank the Metropolitan Police for its assistance in locating O’Leary, so he could be apprehended and brought before the court.”

Mr Greaves’ heartbroken family previously paid tribute to their “happy smiling George – son, brother, grandson and friend”.

They said: “The world was far more wonderful with George in it. He will be forever missed by us all for the promising life we were so looking forward to being a part of, that now will never be.”