TikTok Car Stunt in Bexhill Left Friend with Serious Brain Injury
A TikTok car-stunt at Ravenside Retail Park in Bexhill left a 23-year-old man with traumatic brain injury. The driver received a suspended sentence, a driving ban, and community service.
A viral car-stunt went badly wrong in Sussex, leaving one man with a serious brain injury. The driver, 23-year-old Connor Pace, was sentenced after the incident at Ravenside Retail Park in Bexhill-on-Sea.
What happened
Pace, of St Helens Park Road in Hastings, East Sussex, allowed his passenger to ride on the car bonnet during a car enthusiasts meet. The passenger, also 23, rode for about 17 seconds before falling and striking his head on the ground, losing consciousness for weeks and requiring multiple surgeries.
TikTok was contacted for comment.
Court ruling
At Lewes Crown Court, Pace admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The judge sentenced him to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. He was disqualified from driving for two years, ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, and will be electronically monitored between 8pm and 8am for eight weeks.
Impact on the victim
The victim remained unconscious for nearly a month and needed extensive medical care for a traumatic brain injury. His mother moved from Cornwall to Sussex to help care for him, illustrating the personal toll of the incident.
Expert perspective
Det Con David Symonds described Pace's actions as mindless and irresponsible, noting there was no intent to injure but that participating in the stunt was reckless and dangerous. He emphasised that such behaviour can have lifelong consequences for both people involved.
What this means for road safety
The case serves as a warning about the dangers of performing risky stunts in public spaces and the serious legal repercussions of dangerous driving, even when the aim is online entertainment.
Short summary
In brief, a TikTok-styled car stunt in a Sussex car park left a 23-year-old man with life-changing brain injuries. The driver received a suspended sentence, along with a driving ban, community service, and electronic monitoring. The ruling highlights how online trends can translate to real-world harm and strong legal consequences.
Key takeaway: A moment of thrill online can lead to life-changing harm offline; responsible driving matters as much as responsible posting. Source: BBC News