THIS is the horrifying moment a drink-driving thug smashes a stolen car into a taxi – killing a “kind-hearted” dad-of-three.
Devastated relatives of Wayne Putley, 50 – the passenger in the cab at the time – said his tragic death had “shattered” the family.
Jez Shepherd, 23, was more than twice the drink-drive limit and high on drugs when he ploughed into the taxi in a stolen Fiat Punto in August.
Shepherd was jailed for 15 years and disqualified from driving for 16 years following the fatal smash in Morecambe, Lancashire.
Lancashire Police has since released footage of the build up to the horror collision, along with a touching tribute from Mr Putley’s family.
Shepherd is initially shown filling up the black Fiat Punto – which he had stolen earlier in the day – at a petrol station.
The crook then speeds off without paying for his fuel, before zooming through the streets of the coastal town.
In one shocking clip, Shepherd is shown dangerously swerving onto the wrong side of the road as he takes a corner at high speed.
He can then be seen driving at almost 90mph along a 30mph residential road in the early hours of August 10.
Moments later, Shepherd turns onto the same road Mr Putley is travelling down in the taxi.
Tragic footage shows the speeding thug smashing into the side of the cab as it turns onto another road – sending it crashing into a tree.
Shepherd’s Punto continues to spin down the road as dust and debris is scattered everywhere.
Pictures taken after the smash show the caved-in Ford that was carrying Mr Putley still wrapped around the tree.
Emergency crews were scrambled to the scene on Westgate, before rushing the “loveable rogue” dad-of-three to the hospital.
Cops confirmed he suffered “serious injuries” and despite the best efforts of medical teams, he tragically died at the hospital.
In a heartwarming tribute, his family told how he always helped out at the local dog shelter and church.
The award-winning dry stone waller loved the outdoors, paddleboarding and had an affinity for animals, especially dogs.
They slammed Shepherd’s “reckless” actions, adding that the accident was “completely avoidable”.
Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Martin Wilcock, of our Specialist Operations team described Shepherd’s actions as “devastating”.
He 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 it gives Mr Shepherd time to reflect on his devastating actions on that fateful day.”
Shepherd, of Green Street, Morecambe admitted causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a license or insurance.
He also pleaded guilty to burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and making off without payment.
Appearing at Preston Crown Court today last Friday, he was sentenced to 15 years – 12 years of which will be served in custody.
The yob will have to complete a minimum of eight years behind bars before he is eligible to apply for parole.
Shepherd has also been disqualified from driving for 16 years and will have to take an extended driving test before he can hold a license again.
