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1 00:00:13,200 00:00:18,720 This programme contains very strong language. This programme contains very strong language.
2 00:01:37,880 00:01:42,680 For me, as the senior investigating officer that evening, For me, as the senior investigating officer that evening,
3 00:01:42,680 00:01:48,560 I never envisaged that the case would unfold in such an unusual way. I never envisaged that the case would unfold in such an unusual way.
4 00:01:55,920 00:01:58,480 As I approached the car, you could see it had been As I approached the car, you could see it had been
5 00:01:58,480 00:02:00,040 in a catastrophic collision. in a catastrophic collision.
6 00:02:01,080 00:02:02,640 It was overturned, It was overturned,
7 00:02:02,640 00:02:06,880 and on top was a young lad, sat cross-legged. and on top was a young lad, sat cross-legged.
8 00:02:10,520 00:02:12,400 I've never had that before. I've never had that before.
9 00:02:14,440 00:02:16,280 He was clearly shaken. He was clearly shaken.
10 00:02:17,400 00:02:19,840 He said there was other people in the vehicle. He said there was other people in the vehicle.
11 00:02:25,840 00:02:28,520 He had identified himself as the driver. He had identified himself as the driver.
12 00:02:28,520 00:02:32,640 I asked him what his name was, he told me it was Dannylee. I asked him what his name was, he told me it was Dannylee.
13 00:02:32,640 00:02:34,680 Danny, stand still, fella. Danny, stand still, fella.
14 00:02:34,680 00:02:36,120 Stand still, all right? Stand still, all right?
15 00:02:38,000 00:02:39,680 It's not a problem, mate. It's not a problem, mate.
16 00:02:41,240 00:02:44,040 We've just got to make sure you're OK, OK? We've just got to make sure you're OK, OK?
17 00:02:44,040 00:02:46,640 Don't worry, don't worry. Everything will be good. Don't worry, don't worry. Everything will be good.
18 00:02:50,040 00:02:51,520 We'll make sure everything's OK. We'll make sure everything's OK.
19 00:02:55,840 00:02:58,040 I don't know, mate. I haven't had a look yet. I don't know, mate. I haven't had a look yet.
20 00:02:59,920 00:03:02,520 You told me you were driving. You said, it's Dad's car. You told me you were driving. You said, it's Dad's car.
21 00:03:02,520 00:03:05,040 You said, it's Dad's car and you took the keys. You said, it's Dad's car and you took the keys.
22 00:03:06,920 00:03:09,080 So, how many were in the car with you, mate? So, how many were in the car with you, mate?
23 00:03:13,800 00:03:16,640 Two others? You and two. What were their names? Two others? You and two. What were their names?
24 00:03:19,240 00:03:20,760 What are their names, Danny? What are their names, Danny?
25 00:03:22,800 00:03:25,760 I asked Dannylee for the names of the other persons in the car, I asked Dannylee for the names of the other persons in the car,
26 00:03:25,760 00:03:28,320 and how many other people were in there. and how many other people were in there.
27 00:03:28,320 00:03:30,600 And he was flipping between two and three. And he was flipping between two and three.
28 00:03:30,600 00:03:33,160 It would be, "It's two. No, three." It would be, "It's two. No, three."
29 00:03:33,160 00:03:36,280 Remember your friends' names? Remember your friends' names?
30 00:03:38,320 00:03:40,600 DANNY MUMBLES INCOHERENTLY DANNY MUMBLES INCOHERENTLY
31 00:03:40,600 00:03:42,880 And that, for me, is very strange. And that, for me, is very strange.
32 00:03:42,880 00:03:46,760 It makes me wonder what's going through his head. It makes me wonder what's going through his head.
33 00:03:46,760 00:03:47,960 You're provisional. You're provisional.
34 00:03:50,200 00:03:51,600 No, I'm not going to arrest you. No, I'm not going to arrest you.
35 00:03:51,600 00:03:53,320 No, no, no. No, no, no.
36 00:03:53,320 00:03:55,840 He was acting in a very emotional manner. He was acting in a very emotional manner.
37 00:03:58,400 00:04:00,640 Stay there a minute. Stay there a minute.
38 00:04:00,640 00:04:03,280 I can't hug you because I don't know what injuries you've got. I can't hug you because I don't know what injuries you've got.
39 00:04:03,280 00:04:08,000 He couldn't clarify any accurate detail for me. He couldn't clarify any accurate detail for me.
40 00:04:08,000 00:04:10,320 All right, buddy. All right. All right, buddy. All right.
41 00:04:10,320 00:04:12,040 He came across as being scared. He came across as being scared.
42 00:04:17,800 00:04:19,960 Danny, I've got everyone with them, mate. Danny, I've got everyone with them, mate.
43 00:04:19,960 00:04:21,360 I've got everyone with them. I've got everyone with them.
44 00:04:21,360 00:04:23,600 As far as we are aware, the driver's saying that there As far as we are aware, the driver's saying that there
45 00:04:23,600 00:04:26,160 were three people within the vehicle including him. were three people within the vehicle including him.
46 00:04:26,160 00:04:27,600 Including him. Yes. OK. Including him. Yes. OK.
47 00:04:27,600 00:04:30,040 Looking at the vehicle, immediately said, Looking at the vehicle, immediately said,
48 00:04:30,040 00:04:32,440 "Right, I'm going to have to get in there." "Right, I'm going to have to get in there."
49 00:04:32,440 00:04:38,640 I was faced with a casualty who was pretty much unresponsive, I was faced with a casualty who was pretty much unresponsive,
50 00:04:38,640 00:04:41,680 and I remember seeing a really large wound to the back and I remember seeing a really large wound to the back
51 00:04:41,680 00:04:42,720 of his head. of his head.
52 00:04:44,480 00:04:47,880 That is so bad. Fuck! That is so bad. Fuck!
53 00:04:47,880 00:04:50,600 Let's go and walk down the road. Let's go and walk down the road.
54 00:04:50,600 00:04:52,400 So you don't see your mates. Come on. So you don't see your mates. Come on.
55 00:04:53,840 00:04:55,800 I shouted to the rest of the crew outside, I shouted to the rest of the crew outside,
56 00:04:55,800 00:04:57,640 "Look, he's going to have to come out now." "Look, he's going to have to come out now."
57 00:04:57,640 00:05:01,240 I mean, "He will die in this vehicle, if he doesn't." I mean, "He will die in this vehicle, if he doesn't."
58 00:05:06,400 00:05:09,560 Getting the second fellow out, there was a lot of blood Getting the second fellow out, there was a lot of blood
59 00:05:09,560 00:05:11,400 coming from his head. coming from his head.
60 00:05:11,400 00:05:14,000 I remember it all trickling down the side of my face. I remember it all trickling down the side of my face.
61 00:05:15,320 00:05:17,520 He was in a really bad way. He was in a really bad way.
62 00:05:19,440 00:05:22,840 I had to deal with him. I had to get him out. I had to deal with him. I had to get him out.
63 00:05:22,840 00:05:25,040 It's all right. No, no. They're coming out now, mate. It's all right. No, no. They're coming out now, mate.
64 00:05:25,040 00:05:27,880 Look, they're coming out now, so they'll look after him, won't they? Look, they're coming out now, so they'll look after him, won't they?
65 00:05:27,880 00:05:29,760 Stand there for me. I've got to see him, please. Stand there for me. I've got to see him, please.
66 00:05:29,760 00:05:31,960 You can't see him, mate. They're looking after him. You can't see him, mate. They're looking after him.
67 00:05:33,120 00:05:37,320 I haven't attended a crash scene like that. I haven't attended a crash scene like that.
68 00:05:37,320 00:05:39,040 You're thinking to yourself, You're thinking to yourself,
69 00:05:39,040 00:05:41,480 "Is anyone really going to survive this?" "Is anyone really going to survive this?"
70 00:05:41,480 00:05:42,760 They were just young lads. They were just young lads.
71 00:05:45,160 00:05:46,720 Can I just stop? Sorry. Can I just stop? Sorry.
72 00:05:50,400 00:05:52,280 They were in the back seat. They were in the back seat.
73 00:05:52,280 00:05:54,880 Both of them in back seat? Both of them were in the back seat. Both of them in back seat? Both of them were in the back seat.
74 00:05:54,880 00:05:57,320 Yeah. I wonder why there was no-one in the front. Yeah. I wonder why there was no-one in the front.
75 00:06:05,960 00:06:09,680 Just for the log, two males have been brought from the vehicle. Just for the log, two males have been brought from the vehicle.
76 00:06:09,680 00:06:12,800 One of them, at this time, is breathing. One of them, at this time, is breathing.
77 00:06:12,800 00:06:16,200 However, the third male is currently having CPR. However, the third male is currently having CPR.
78 00:06:16,200 00:06:17,240 Fuck! Fuck!
79 00:06:18,560 00:06:19,840 Fuck. Fuck.
80 00:06:46,600 00:06:49,280 That night, I was at Sonny's with Sonny's sister. That night, I was at Sonny's with Sonny's sister.
81 00:06:49,280 00:06:51,880 He was texting me all night, "Come out, mate. He was texting me all night, "Come out, mate.
82 00:06:51,880 00:06:54,840 "Jump in the car." I was like, "No, mate," you know. "Jump in the car." I was like, "No, mate," you know.
83 00:06:54,840 00:06:58,200 "I'm going to stay in. Just chill out." "I'm going to stay in. Just chill out."
84 00:06:58,200 00:07:01,520 And then he just went quiet. Didn't hear from him after that. And then he just went quiet. Didn't hear from him after that.
85 00:07:02,600 00:07:06,200 I spoke to Luke at half-past eight, Saturday evening. I spoke to Luke at half-past eight, Saturday evening.
86 00:07:06,200 00:07:10,440 He said to me that he was at his friend, Greg's. He said to me that he was at his friend, Greg's.
87 00:07:10,440 00:07:13,560 And I just thought, you know, "He's safe." And I just thought, you know, "He's safe."
88 00:07:15,480 00:07:18,840 Sometime while he was out, Dannylee showed up at the door Sometime while he was out, Dannylee showed up at the door
89 00:07:18,840 00:07:20,960 asking where Luke was. asking where Luke was.
90 00:07:20,960 00:07:24,320 I told him Luke had gone out to hang out with a mate, I told him Luke had gone out to hang out with a mate,
91 00:07:24,320 00:07:26,360 then they went on their way. then they went on their way.
92 00:07:33,880 00:07:36,120 At three in the morning, I was still at Sonny's house. At three in the morning, I was still at Sonny's house.
93 00:07:36,120 00:07:38,480 All of a sudden, "Bam, bam, bam." All of a sudden, "Bam, bam, bam."
94 00:07:38,480 00:07:41,440 I looked out the window, it was the Old Bill. I looked out the window, it was the Old Bill.
95 00:07:41,440 00:07:44,880 So, I'm like, "Oh, crap, what's going on here?" So, I'm like, "Oh, crap, what's going on here?"
96 00:07:45,920 00:07:48,000 I shouted upstairs, called Sonny's mum. I shouted upstairs, called Sonny's mum.
97 00:07:49,720 00:07:53,080 They told me there and then that Sonny had had a serious crash. They told me there and then that Sonny had had a serious crash.
98 00:07:53,080 00:07:54,240 He's in the hospital. He's in the hospital.
99 00:08:01,640 00:08:05,480 Got to the hospital, and it was then when it really hit me. Got to the hospital, and it was then when it really hit me.
100 00:08:10,160 00:08:12,880 They had to put him in a coma, and to see all these machines, They had to put him in a coma, and to see all these machines,
101 00:08:12,880 00:08:16,440 bolts in his brain, bolts in his brain,
102 00:08:16,440 00:08:20,040 couldn't breathe, he was on a respirator. couldn't breathe, he was on a respirator.
103 00:08:20,040 00:08:21,800 He literally had a 50-50 chance of living. He literally had a 50-50 chance of living.
104 00:08:27,360 00:08:29,840 When I got there, I couldn't really look at Sonny. When I got there, I couldn't really look at Sonny.
105 00:08:31,360 00:08:34,480 I never want to see anyone like that, and especially one I never want to see anyone like that, and especially one
106 00:08:34,480 00:08:39,160 of my mates. He always wanted to do something fun, of my mates. He always wanted to do something fun,
107 00:08:39,160 00:08:43,520 like, enjoy himself. We just got along, that was it. like, enjoy himself. We just got along, that was it.
108 00:08:43,520 00:08:46,840 That was probably the worst night of my life. That was probably the worst night of my life.
109 00:08:51,360 00:08:55,080 Nothing prepares you for children to die before you. Nothing prepares you for children to die before you.
110 00:08:55,080 00:08:57,880 When a mother loses a child, or even thinks they're going to lose When a mother loses a child, or even thinks they're going to lose
111 00:08:57,880 00:09:03,440 their child, it's a despair that you can't explain. their child, it's a despair that you can't explain.
112 00:09:07,960 00:09:11,800 Danny, you are under investigation at the moment, all right? Danny, you are under investigation at the moment, all right?
113 00:09:11,800 00:09:15,680 Because you are suspected of driving whilst unfit to do so Because you are suspected of driving whilst unfit to do so
114 00:09:15,680 00:09:17,320 through drink or drugs. through drink or drugs.
115 00:09:17,320 00:09:20,280 Do you consent to provide a specimen of blood which will be taken Do you consent to provide a specimen of blood which will be taken
116 00:09:20,280 00:09:22,120 by a doctor? Yeah. by a doctor? Yeah.
117 00:09:36,240 00:09:38,560 Come to about three o'clock in the morning, Come to about three o'clock in the morning,
118 00:09:38,560 00:09:39,760 I get a knock on the door. I get a knock on the door.
119 00:09:39,760 00:09:43,040 My first thought is, "OK, Luke is home really late My first thought is, "OK, Luke is home really late
120 00:09:43,040 00:09:44,560 "and I'm going to kill him." "and I'm going to kill him."
121 00:09:44,560 00:09:47,120 Put my dressing gown on, I go downstairs, open the door, Put my dressing gown on, I go downstairs, open the door,
122 00:09:47,120 00:09:48,720 two police officers standing there. two police officers standing there.
123 00:09:50,640 00:09:55,200 About half-past three, my phone rang. About half-past three, my phone rang.
124 00:09:55,200 00:09:59,960 I was actually away for the weekend, and it was my oldest son, I was actually away for the weekend, and it was my oldest son,
125 00:09:59,960 00:10:03,600 Adam, and he told me that it was about Luke. Adam, and he told me that it was about Luke.
126 00:10:05,920 00:10:08,000 I said to him, "What's he done?" I said to him, "What's he done?"
127 00:10:08,000 00:10:11,200 And he said, "They need to come and see you." And he said, "They need to come and see you."
128 00:10:11,200 00:10:14,160 And it's really strange, the things that go through your head And it's really strange, the things that go through your head
129 00:10:14,160 00:10:16,160 in a split second. in a split second.
130 00:10:16,160 00:10:19,440 It was silly things like, you know, he'd been caught camping It was silly things like, you know, he'd been caught camping
131 00:10:19,440 00:10:23,320 illegally and was spending the night in the cells. illegally and was spending the night in the cells.
132 00:10:23,320 00:10:26,760 In my head, I just went, "Let him spend the night there, In my head, I just went, "Let him spend the night there,
133 00:10:26,760 00:10:27,960 "he will learn." "he will learn."
134 00:10:29,440 00:10:32,680 I just had to tell her, over the phone, I just had to tell her, over the phone,
135 00:10:32,680 00:10:35,240 I had to tell her that Luke's dead. I had to tell her that Luke's dead.
136 00:10:37,320 00:10:40,560 That's the hardest thing I've ever done. That's the hardest thing I've ever done.
137 00:10:40,560 00:10:43,160 Dannylee, unfortunately, this is quite serious Dannylee, unfortunately, this is quite serious
138 00:10:43,160 00:10:45,360 and you're going to have to listen to what I say, OK? and you're going to have to listen to what I say, OK?
139 00:10:45,360 00:10:49,600 I'm now arresting you on suspicion of causing death I'm now arresting you on suspicion of causing death
140 00:10:49,600 00:10:52,040 by dangerous driving, OK? by dangerous driving, OK?
141 00:10:52,040 00:10:55,200 I'm also further arresting you on causing death whilst driving I'm also further arresting you on causing death whilst driving
142 00:10:55,200 00:10:57,600 whilst uninsured and unlicensed. whilst uninsured and unlicensed.
143 00:10:58,960 00:11:02,040 If Dannylee said jump, Luke would be in the air If Dannylee said jump, Luke would be in the air
144 00:11:02,040 00:11:04,000 saying, "How high?" saying, "How high?"
145 00:11:04,000 00:11:07,680 Which wasn't often the case with Luke. Which wasn't often the case with Luke.
146 00:11:07,680 00:11:11,720 He trusted Dannylee, as I did. He trusted Dannylee, as I did.
147 00:11:11,720 00:11:14,880 He was welcomed in as part of the family. He was welcomed in as part of the family.
148 00:11:16,040 00:11:19,440 You put your trust in someone, and then, you know, You put your trust in someone, and then, you know,
149 00:11:19,440 00:11:23,120 it's just the wrong person. it's just the wrong person.
150 00:11:23,120 00:11:27,280 Unfortunately, things have gone a little bit wrong. Unfortunately, things have gone a little bit wrong.
151 00:11:44,200 00:11:47,680 The next day, the investigation's handed over to our team, The next day, the investigation's handed over to our team,
152 00:11:47,680 00:11:49,640 the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
153 00:11:54,600 00:11:57,680 For us, it wasn't a unique investigation, or a unique For us, it wasn't a unique investigation, or a unique
154 00:11:57,680 00:11:59,120 set of circumstances. set of circumstances.
155 00:11:59,120 00:12:01,560 By far, the highest statistic for people that are killed By far, the highest statistic for people that are killed
156 00:12:01,560 00:12:04,080 or injured in crashes is young males. or injured in crashes is young males.
157 00:12:05,080 00:12:06,840 The more passengers you have in your car, The more passengers you have in your car,
158 00:12:06,840 00:12:09,240 the more likelihood is there's going to be a crash. the more likelihood is there's going to be a crash.
159 00:12:09,240 00:12:13,520 This is the one that clearly shows the tree that's done the damage. This is the one that clearly shows the tree that's done the damage.
160 00:12:13,520 00:12:18,720 The day after the crash, we were faced with one fatality, The day after the crash, we were faced with one fatality,
161 00:12:18,720 00:12:22,520 one seriously injured, and we had one in custody, one seriously injured, and we had one in custody,
162 00:12:22,520 00:12:25,040 Dannylee Ross-Barringer. Dannylee Ross-Barringer.
163 00:12:25,040 00:12:28,080 I don't know if there's some pictures in there when they put I don't know if there's some pictures in there when they put
164 00:12:28,080 00:12:30,880 it back on its wheels. I think they're probably here somewhere. it back on its wheels. I think they're probably here somewhere.
165 00:12:30,880 00:12:33,800 On the face of it, it was quite a simple investigation. On the face of it, it was quite a simple investigation.
166 00:12:33,800 00:12:35,920 However, after he was arrested, However, after he was arrested,
167 00:12:35,920 00:12:38,440 Dannylee changed his account. Dannylee changed his account.
168 00:12:38,440 00:12:40,960 He goes from saying that he was the driver of the car He goes from saying that he was the driver of the car
169 00:12:40,960 00:12:44,080 at the time of the crash to saying that it was his cousin, at the time of the crash to saying that it was his cousin,
170 00:12:44,080 00:12:46,800 Zax Ross-Harris, who was driving the car at the time. Zax Ross-Harris, who was driving the car at the time.
171 00:12:48,760 00:12:50,760 However, there was no-one else at the scene. However, there was no-one else at the scene.
172 00:12:50,760 00:12:55,560 It was just two lads in the back of the car, and Dannylee. It was just two lads in the back of the car, and Dannylee.
173 00:12:55,560 00:12:58,440 Nevertheless, the cousin was visited by police in the early hours Nevertheless, the cousin was visited by police in the early hours
174 00:12:58,440 00:13:00,280 of the morning. of the morning.
175 00:13:00,280 00:13:02,920 The good news is that, Zax, you're not one of the persons that's The good news is that, Zax, you're not one of the persons that's
176 00:13:02,920 00:13:05,400 unconscious, so we've established that. unconscious, so we've established that.
177 00:13:05,400 00:13:07,960 He was in bed, he had no injuries. He was in bed, he had no injuries.
178 00:13:07,960 00:13:10,640 And you were with Dad tonight after work. And you were with Dad tonight after work.
179 00:13:10,640 00:13:12,440 You went to the... You went to the...
180 00:13:12,440 00:13:14,840 Harbour Lights, OK. Harbour Lights, OK.
181 00:13:14,840 00:13:18,200 He had an alibi for where he was at the time. He had an alibi for where he was at the time.
182 00:13:18,200 00:13:21,800 We were faced with trying to work out what was going on. We were faced with trying to work out what was going on.
183 00:13:21,800 00:13:23,720 Why Danny changed his story we don't know. Why Danny changed his story we don't know.
184 00:13:23,720 00:13:27,520 Whether it was to cover up for his own wrongdoing, Whether it was to cover up for his own wrongdoing,
185 00:13:27,520 00:13:29,440 to get himself out of trouble to get himself out of trouble
186 00:13:29,440 00:13:31,800 or was he just telling the truth? or was he just telling the truth?
187 00:13:33,640 00:13:36,720 Whatever reason, it's a homicide, essentially, Whatever reason, it's a homicide, essentially,
188 00:13:36,720 00:13:39,080 and we need to investigate that to the fullest. and we need to investigate that to the fullest.
189 00:13:48,920 00:13:52,000 I found out the next day. I found out the next day.
190 00:13:52,000 00:13:54,040 Some of Luke's family came round, Some of Luke's family came round,
191 00:13:54,040 00:13:57,280 and they said he was gone. and they said he was gone.
192 00:13:58,760 00:14:02,560 I was sitting there in shock for about an hour or so. I was sitting there in shock for about an hour or so.
193 00:14:03,760 00:14:07,800 I posted it to Facebook and let all of his friends know. I posted it to Facebook and let all of his friends know.
194 00:14:09,280 00:14:11,960 I was out playing football with Greg's brother. I was out playing football with Greg's brother.
195 00:14:11,960 00:14:15,720 We got this phone call from Greg's mum, and she said, We got this phone call from Greg's mum, and she said,
196 00:14:15,720 00:14:18,240 "Get back quick." I was like, "Why is she saying that? "Get back quick." I was like, "Why is she saying that?
197 00:14:18,240 00:14:20,520 "There must be something wrong." "There must be something wrong."
198 00:14:20,520 00:14:23,880 So, I was checking Facebook, saw RIP Luke. So, I was checking Facebook, saw RIP Luke.
199 00:14:23,880 00:14:26,480 I was like, "What?" I was like, "What?"
200 00:14:26,480 00:14:29,400 We literally just ran, and ran, and ran, We literally just ran, and ran, and ran,
201 00:14:29,400 00:14:31,560 until we got to the front door. until we got to the front door.
202 00:14:31,560 00:14:35,920 It was just devastating. He was like a brother to us. It was just devastating. He was like a brother to us.
203 00:14:37,720 00:14:40,480 I met Luke in school. I met Luke in school.
204 00:14:40,480 00:14:44,520 There were some kids who were picking on me. There were some kids who were picking on me.
205 00:14:44,520 00:14:49,080 And Luke stepped in to try and stop them, but it went downhill And Luke stepped in to try and stop them, but it went downhill
206 00:14:49,080 00:14:51,600 and we both got thrown into a bush. and we both got thrown into a bush.
207 00:14:54,480 00:14:57,800 Luke was one of them people everyone knew in Paulsgrove, Luke was one of them people everyone knew in Paulsgrove,
208 00:14:57,800 00:15:00,120 and everyone got along with him. and everyone got along with him.
209 00:15:01,440 00:15:03,680 His personality was phenomenal. His personality was phenomenal.
210 00:15:03,680 00:15:06,520 He wasn't ashamed of who he was. He wasn't ashamed of who he was.
211 00:15:06,520 00:15:09,160 MUSIC: All Of Me by Jasmine Thompson MUSIC: All Of Me by Jasmine Thompson
212 00:15:14,080 00:15:17,800 At college, he did drama and theatre art. At college, he did drama and theatre art.
213 00:15:17,800 00:15:21,360 He absolutely loved expressing himself. He absolutely loved expressing himself.
214 00:15:27,160 00:15:30,440 He said that he'd want to start on the stage, He said that he'd want to start on the stage,
215 00:15:30,440 00:15:33,200 and then progress to film. and then progress to film.
216 00:15:33,200 00:15:37,080 And then he'd giggle and say, "Cos that's where the money is, Mum." And then he'd giggle and say, "Cos that's where the money is, Mum."
217 00:15:38,080 00:15:40,440 He just brought everyone to life. He just brought everyone to life.
218 00:15:42,040 00:15:44,760 Me, Greg, Danny and Luke were all close. Me, Greg, Danny and Luke were all close.
219 00:15:47,120 00:15:50,160 We were really shy, and Dannylee, he had so much confidence. We were really shy, and Dannylee, he had so much confidence.
220 00:15:51,160 00:15:54,600 It did destroy us as a unit. It did destroy us as a unit.
221 00:15:54,600 00:15:57,960 We obviously lost all respect for Dannylee. We obviously lost all respect for Dannylee.
222 00:15:57,960 00:16:01,760 We trusted him. We never thought he could do something like that. We trusted him. We never thought he could do something like that.
223 00:16:06,760 00:16:10,440 OK, your first name, is it Dannylee as in one name? Yes. OK. OK, your first name, is it Dannylee as in one name? Yes. OK.
224 00:16:10,440 00:16:14,400 You've obviously been arrested last night on suspicion of causing death You've obviously been arrested last night on suspicion of causing death
225 00:16:14,400 00:16:16,680 by dangerous driving. by dangerous driving.
226 00:16:16,680 00:16:22,080 I was tasked to conduct the first interview with Dannylee. I was tasked to conduct the first interview with Dannylee.
227 00:16:22,080 00:16:23,280 You all right? You all right?
228 00:16:25,240 00:16:28,440 Whilst Danny had said his cousin was driving, Whilst Danny had said his cousin was driving,
229 00:16:28,440 00:16:30,520 there was a big part of me that thought, there was a big part of me that thought,
230 00:16:30,520 00:16:31,720 "He'll just admit to it." "He'll just admit to it."
231 00:16:31,720 00:16:34,400 He was just going to want to get this dealt with and off his chest. He was just going to want to get this dealt with and off his chest.
232 00:16:34,400 00:16:36,320 So, just start, tell me all about yesterday So, just start, tell me all about yesterday
233 00:16:36,320 00:16:37,800 and everything that happened. and everything that happened.
234 00:17:07,480 00:17:10,640 It's fair to say he was concerned about those people that were It's fair to say he was concerned about those people that were
235 00:17:10,640 00:17:12,240 involved in the crash. involved in the crash.
236 00:17:18,360 00:17:20,160 Yeah, right, we can live with that. Yeah, right, we can live with that.
237 00:17:20,160 00:17:25,440 But my feelings at that time was, "Was this genuine remorse? But my feelings at that time was, "Was this genuine remorse?
238 00:17:25,440 00:17:29,160 "Was it guilt? Was it him trying to cover up his tracks?" "Was it guilt? Was it him trying to cover up his tracks?"
239 00:17:29,160 00:17:32,280 It was all a bit difficult to work out where his emotions were at. It was all a bit difficult to work out where his emotions were at.
240 00:17:48,080 00:17:50,520 In the interview, he maintained that account. In the interview, he maintained that account.
241 00:17:50,520 00:17:52,520 "It wasn't me driving, it was Zax driving." "It wasn't me driving, it was Zax driving."
242 00:17:52,520 00:17:56,400 Obviously, there are a number of times when you admit Obviously, there are a number of times when you admit
243 00:17:56,400 00:17:57,920 to being the driver. to being the driver.
244 00:18:02,680 00:18:04,280 Everyone is different, aren't they? Everyone is different, aren't they?
245 00:18:04,280 00:18:06,440 Everyone deals with things differently. Everyone deals with things differently.
246 00:18:06,440 00:18:08,120 I felt that Dannylee was lying. I felt that Dannylee was lying.
247 00:18:08,120 00:18:11,480 We had a lot of work to do, to prove that he was lying. We had a lot of work to do, to prove that he was lying.
248 00:18:11,480 00:18:12,760 So, we'll start with the car. So, we'll start with the car.
249 00:18:12,760 00:18:13,840 What car is it? What car is it?
250 00:18:17,520 00:18:19,240 OK. Any concerns with the steering at all? OK. Any concerns with the steering at all?
251 00:18:26,680 00:18:29,400 He was clearly quite passionate about his car, He was clearly quite passionate about his car,
252 00:18:29,400 00:18:31,080 the way he talked about it. the way he talked about it.
253 00:18:31,080 00:18:33,800 As to whether he would let his cousin drive it, I don't know. As to whether he would let his cousin drive it, I don't know.
254 00:18:33,800 00:18:36,120 Any more questions at the moment? Any more questions at the moment?
255 00:18:37,240 00:18:41,600 Right, the time when I'm pressing stop is 19.08, Right, the time when I'm pressing stop is 19.08,
256 00:18:41,600 00:18:43,080 and we'll turn the recorders off. and we'll turn the recorders off.
257 00:18:55,240 00:18:59,880 Paulsgrove, everyone knows everyone. Paulsgrove, everyone knows everyone.
258 00:18:59,880 00:19:03,520 Sonny's mum, she was close to Dannylee's uncle. Sonny's mum, she was close to Dannylee's uncle.
259 00:19:07,080 00:19:10,280 Dannylee and Sonny, they considered each other like family. Dannylee and Sonny, they considered each other like family.
260 00:19:12,720 00:19:15,840 Them two were like always into the same type of stuff, Them two were like always into the same type of stuff,
261 00:19:15,840 00:19:20,000 like, punk rock and things I would never do. like, punk rock and things I would never do.
262 00:19:20,000 00:19:23,480 But I guess that's when Sonny mostly come out of his shell, But I guess that's when Sonny mostly come out of his shell,
263 00:19:23,480 00:19:24,800 was around Dannylee. was around Dannylee.
264 00:19:26,680 00:19:29,640 He wanted to be in with him. He wanted to be in with him.
265 00:19:29,640 00:19:33,120 But he seemed all right, to be honest, Dannylee. But he seemed all right, to be honest, Dannylee.
266 00:19:33,120 00:19:36,400 But I think he thought he was a bit, you know, But I think he thought he was a bit, you know,
267 00:19:36,400 00:19:40,080 "Yeah, I've got a car, mate," flashy type of geezer. "Yeah, I've got a car, mate," flashy type of geezer.
268 00:19:41,480 00:19:44,080 Dannylee's car was his prized possession. Dannylee's car was his prized possession.
269 00:19:44,080 00:19:46,280 He wouldn't let no-one drive it. It was like his baby. He wouldn't let no-one drive it. It was like his baby.
270 00:19:48,680 00:19:52,200 It's like any guy, when you first get your first car, It's like any guy, when you first get your first car,
271 00:19:52,200 00:19:54,360 it's the best thing. it's the best thing.
272 00:19:54,360 00:19:57,400 Like, you've got freedom, you can do what you want. Like, you've got freedom, you can do what you want.
273 00:19:58,720 00:20:01,320 Everyone wants to take it out for a spin, Everyone wants to take it out for a spin,
274 00:20:01,320 00:20:04,280 like, "Let me jump in it, mate," you know? like, "Let me jump in it, mate," you know?
275 00:20:04,280 00:20:06,920 Usually, when people do that, it's like, go up the top of the hill Usually, when people do that, it's like, go up the top of the hill
276 00:20:06,920 00:20:08,240 and have a burger. and have a burger.
277 00:20:12,640 00:20:15,240 The hill is a beautiful place. The hill is a beautiful place.
278 00:20:15,240 00:20:17,960 A lot of people love to go up there and see A lot of people love to go up there and see
279 00:20:17,960 00:20:19,760 the view over Portsmouth. the view over Portsmouth.
280 00:20:21,120 00:20:23,880 A lot of young people like to drive along the road A lot of young people like to drive along the road
281 00:20:23,880 00:20:27,280 and test their car's speed. and test their car's speed.
282 00:20:29,480 00:20:32,680 What's the point in getting a car if you can't rag it about a bit, What's the point in getting a car if you can't rag it about a bit,
283 00:20:32,680 00:20:34,560 you know, have a bit of fun? you know, have a bit of fun?
284 00:20:34,560 00:20:37,160 It's dangerous, in a way, yeah. It's dangerous. It's dangerous, in a way, yeah. It's dangerous.
285 00:20:38,560 00:20:40,720 But I think people think, like, "Enjoy yourself. But I think people think, like, "Enjoy yourself.
286 00:20:40,720 00:20:42,520 "This is our time, we're young," you know? "This is our time, we're young," you know?
287 00:20:58,080 00:21:00,360 If Danny's account was true at that point, If Danny's account was true at that point,
288 00:21:00,360 00:21:04,400 it meant Zax had run away from the scene, it meant Zax had run away from the scene,
289 00:21:04,400 00:21:07,760 left two dying boys in the back of the car, left two dying boys in the back of the car,
290 00:21:07,760 00:21:10,440 and left his cousin Danny to take the rap and left his cousin Danny to take the rap
291 00:21:10,440 00:21:13,040 for what ultimately he'd done. for what ultimately he'd done.
292 00:21:14,080 00:21:16,120 If Danny's account was true. If Danny's account was true.
293 00:21:24,880 00:21:27,040 If you could please state your name and date of birth. If you could please state your name and date of birth.
294 00:21:45,280 00:21:48,040 After the interview with Dannylee, we had a lot of questions After the interview with Dannylee, we had a lot of questions
295 00:21:48,040 00:21:49,800 we had to put to Zax. we had to put to Zax.
296 00:22:04,480 00:22:07,680 Whilst he did have some minor injuries, they were explainable. Whilst he did have some minor injuries, they were explainable.
297 00:22:07,680 00:22:13,680 The purpose of the first interview was very much just to get a bit The purpose of the first interview was very much just to get a bit
298 00:22:13,680 00:22:16,760 more detail about where he had been that evening. more detail about where he had been that evening.
299 00:22:16,760 00:22:19,800 But also, it was quite important to get his reaction at that early But also, it was quite important to get his reaction at that early
300 00:22:19,800 00:22:23,480 stage as to what Dannylee had said. stage as to what Dannylee had said.
301 00:22:31,440 00:22:34,360 Zax gave the account that he had been at work all day, Zax gave the account that he had been at work all day,
302 00:22:34,360 00:22:36,680 and then after work had gone to the pub with his dad. and then after work had gone to the pub with his dad.
303 00:23:15,800 00:23:18,760 He certainly was the polar opposite to Danny. He certainly was the polar opposite to Danny.
304 00:23:18,760 00:23:21,320 He wasn't upset, he wasn't emotional. He wasn't upset, he wasn't emotional.
305 00:23:26,760 00:23:31,240 The fact that he was so chilled, there's two ways to look at it. The fact that he was so chilled, there's two ways to look at it.
306 00:23:31,240 00:23:34,640 He just doesn't care, or the other option is, He just doesn't care, or the other option is,
307 00:23:34,640 00:23:37,360 he knows he's not responsible and he's got nothing to worry about. he knows he's not responsible and he's got nothing to worry about.
308 00:24:07,880 00:24:11,720 When anyone young loses their life, it just has ripples When anyone young loses their life, it just has ripples
309 00:24:11,720 00:24:15,360 throughout families, communities, throughout families, communities,
310 00:24:15,360 00:24:17,760 but in a close-knit community like this, but in a close-knit community like this,
311 00:24:17,760 00:24:20,000 it really had a massive effect. it really had a massive effect.
312 00:24:22,360 00:24:26,120 Finding out they were out on bail, it was like, "What the fuck?" Finding out they were out on bail, it was like, "What the fuck?"
313 00:24:27,240 00:24:28,800 Sonny's still, you know, in a coma. Sonny's still, you know, in a coma.
314 00:24:30,880 00:24:33,280 I heard a lot of gossip going around on the street, I heard a lot of gossip going around on the street,
315 00:24:33,280 00:24:36,320 sort of Danny is getting a lot of hatred thrown at him, sort of Danny is getting a lot of hatred thrown at him,
316 00:24:36,320 00:24:37,760 him being called a murderer. him being called a murderer.
317 00:24:39,440 00:24:41,960 Zax, people were starting on him. Zax, people were starting on him.
318 00:24:43,240 00:24:46,200 Everyone likes to get involved in a bit of drama, I guess. Everyone likes to get involved in a bit of drama, I guess.
319 00:24:49,240 00:24:53,320 I couldn't go out and do my normal shopping. I couldn't go out and do my normal shopping.
320 00:24:53,320 00:24:56,520 The fear of bumping into them, I didn't know what my The fear of bumping into them, I didn't know what my
321 00:24:56,520 00:24:57,840 reaction would be. reaction would be.
322 00:25:00,320 00:25:02,480 There was loads of people talking about, There was loads of people talking about,
323 00:25:02,480 00:25:05,080 "No, he was driving, no, he was driving." "No, he was driving, no, he was driving."
324 00:25:05,080 00:25:07,720 It was driving us insane. It was driving us insane.
325 00:25:07,720 00:25:10,880 You want to blame someone in that situation. You want to blame someone in that situation.
326 00:25:12,200 00:25:15,040 The whole time, I knew that one of them's lying, The whole time, I knew that one of them's lying,
327 00:25:15,040 00:25:17,280 and one of them's telling the truth. and one of them's telling the truth.
328 00:25:20,400 00:25:21,600 It was torture. It was torture.
329 00:25:34,520 00:25:38,040 So, to corroborate Zax's account, we started off by just going back So, to corroborate Zax's account, we started off by just going back
330 00:25:38,040 00:25:40,200 where he told us he'd been. where he told us he'd been.
331 00:25:41,680 00:25:45,280 We got statements from two bar staff at the pub We got statements from two bar staff at the pub
332 00:25:45,280 00:25:48,040 where Zax had been drinking. where Zax had been drinking.
333 00:25:48,040 00:25:50,000 They were able to remember him being in the pub. They were able to remember him being in the pub.
334 00:25:53,480 00:25:56,240 From the receipts, we could conclusively say From the receipts, we could conclusively say
335 00:25:56,240 00:25:58,320 they've consumed at least seven to eight pints. they've consumed at least seven to eight pints.
336 00:25:58,320 00:26:01,720 It was, in fact, the bar staff that called the taxi that took them It was, in fact, the bar staff that called the taxi that took them
337 00:26:01,720 00:26:03,920 to the kebab shop. to the kebab shop.
338 00:26:05,200 00:26:10,640 We found the CCTV evidence of both Zax and his dad in the kebab shop. We found the CCTV evidence of both Zax and his dad in the kebab shop.
339 00:26:10,640 00:26:13,800 It's apparent that they're both drunk, but particularly Zax. It's apparent that they're both drunk, but particularly Zax.
340 00:26:15,000 00:26:17,560 And in his account, they went home, ate the food and went to bed. And in his account, they went home, ate the food and went to bed.
341 00:26:20,360 00:26:23,720 There was quite a lot of Zax's story that was corroborated There was quite a lot of Zax's story that was corroborated
342 00:26:23,720 00:26:26,000 by the evidence that we were gathering. by the evidence that we were gathering.
343 00:26:26,000 00:26:29,040 It was just the timing wasn't quite right. It was just the timing wasn't quite right.
344 00:26:30,080 00:26:32,480 In fact, they'd left some time earlier than he'd said. In fact, they'd left some time earlier than he'd said.
345 00:26:34,920 00:26:37,640 The one person that could tell us what was taking place The one person that could tell us what was taking place
346 00:26:37,640 00:26:41,080 inside that car, without any doubt, was Sonny. inside that car, without any doubt, was Sonny.
347 00:26:59,320 00:27:02,800 He's the only one that knew what went down that night. He's the only one that knew what went down that night.
348 00:27:02,800 00:27:04,640 He knows what... He knows what...
349 00:27:04,640 00:27:10,840 ..what's gone on. And if he doesn't wake up, how are we going to know? ..what's gone on. And if he doesn't wake up, how are we going to know?
350 00:27:12,600 00:27:15,400 And if he wakes up, is he going to remember? And if he wakes up, is he going to remember?
351 00:27:15,400 00:27:17,800 All them things that'll go through your mind. All them things that'll go through your mind.
352 00:27:20,480 00:27:25,480 When I was sat next to his bed, I remember stroking his arm When I was sat next to his bed, I remember stroking his arm
353 00:27:25,480 00:27:29,360 as gently as I could. I said, "Mummy's here, it's OK, darling. as gently as I could. I said, "Mummy's here, it's OK, darling.
354 00:27:29,360 00:27:30,600 "I'm right next to you." "I'm right next to you."
355 00:27:35,800 00:27:37,440 He just looked like a little boy. He just looked like a little boy.
356 00:27:39,760 00:27:40,920 Just laying there. Just laying there.
357 00:27:42,000 00:27:45,400 Even though he was bigger than the hospital bed, Even though he was bigger than the hospital bed,
358 00:27:45,400 00:27:46,720 he was a fragile little boy. he was a fragile little boy.
359 00:27:50,040 00:27:52,720 They were trying to wean Sonny off the morphine to bring him They were trying to wean Sonny off the morphine to bring him
360 00:27:52,720 00:27:54,920 out of the coma. They were worried. out of the coma. They were worried.
361 00:27:54,920 00:27:57,360 No-one really knew how his brain was going to be after he came No-one really knew how his brain was going to be after he came
362 00:27:57,360 00:27:58,640 out of the coma. out of the coma.
363 00:28:00,120 00:28:04,480 But he came out the coma, so I screamed for the nurses. But he came out the coma, so I screamed for the nurses.
364 00:28:04,480 00:28:06,680 They didn't panic at all. They're used to it. They didn't panic at all. They're used to it.
365 00:28:06,680 00:28:09,560 I was the one that was like, "Oh, my God!" I was the one that was like, "Oh, my God!"
366 00:28:10,960 00:28:13,240 I stroked his hair, I told him it was OK. I stroked his hair, I told him it was OK.
367 00:28:13,240 00:28:15,360 I just wanted my boy. I just wanted my boy.
368 00:28:17,960 00:28:20,680 As soon as he woke up, it was about Luke. As soon as he woke up, it was about Luke.
369 00:28:20,680 00:28:24,360 As soon as his eyes opened up, "Mum, where's Laura? Laura's dead." As soon as his eyes opened up, "Mum, where's Laura? Laura's dead."
370 00:28:24,360 00:28:26,680 See, he was so confused. See, he was so confused.
371 00:28:29,360 00:28:30,720 What could you remember? What could you remember?
372 00:28:36,800 00:28:38,520 Nothing, really. I just... Nothing, really. I just...
373 00:28:40,280 00:28:44,840 Yeah... Just Luke. That's just the main thing that stuck in my head. Yeah... Just Luke. That's just the main thing that stuck in my head.
374 00:28:46,080 00:28:47,400 Yeah... Yeah...
375 00:28:49,120 00:28:52,240 Sorry, I was miles away. Miles away. Sorry, I was miles away. Miles away.
376 00:28:54,440 00:28:56,920 But as soon as I got up, that was one of the very first But as soon as I got up, that was one of the very first
377 00:28:56,920 00:29:00,320 things I said, was about Laura. "Make sure that he's OK." things I said, was about Laura. "Make sure that he's OK."
378 00:29:01,640 00:29:03,240 It's all I was concerned about. It's all I was concerned about.
379 00:29:04,760 00:29:08,160 Luke is Laura, an alter ego type thing. Luke is Laura, an alter ego type thing.
380 00:29:08,160 00:29:10,880 And, apparently, that's what I just kept saying to my mum. And, apparently, that's what I just kept saying to my mum.
381 00:29:10,880 00:29:12,920 "Laura, is Laura OK? Is Laura dead?" "Laura, is Laura OK? Is Laura dead?"
382 00:29:14,240 00:29:18,200 Laura was Luke's female persona. Laura was Luke's female persona.
383 00:29:19,520 00:29:23,040 He was really good at creating characters He was really good at creating characters
384 00:29:23,040 00:29:25,280 and just diving into them. and just diving into them.
385 00:29:26,760 00:29:32,000 Laura was a fun-loving girl. Laura was a fun-loving girl.
386 00:29:32,000 00:29:34,720 She just wanted to enjoy herself. She just wanted to enjoy herself.
387 00:29:36,920 00:29:39,200 At first it was a bit, "OK." At first it was a bit, "OK."
388 00:29:39,200 00:29:41,920 But you know, he was just, he was very funny. But you know, he was just, he was very funny.
389 00:29:41,920 00:29:44,400 I thought so, anyway. I thought so, anyway.
390 00:29:44,400 00:29:47,960 His confidence when he was Laura was just amazing. His confidence when he was Laura was just amazing.
391 00:29:47,960 00:29:50,960 He wasn't afraid of who he was. He wasn't afraid of who he was.
392 00:29:50,960 00:29:52,680 We all loved him for it. We all loved him for it.
393 00:29:56,280 00:29:58,880 On the night of the crash, we were at Greg's. On the night of the crash, we were at Greg's.
394 00:29:58,880 00:30:04,400 Luke was dressed in men's clothes, but he was wearing the purple wig Luke was dressed in men's clothes, but he was wearing the purple wig
395 00:30:04,400 00:30:06,680 and make-up. and make-up.
396 00:30:06,680 00:30:13,160 We were writing stories online, and we'd had a few drinks. We were writing stories online, and we'd had a few drinks.
397 00:30:14,200 00:30:17,440 We were all having a laugh until Luke was invited We were all having a laugh until Luke was invited
398 00:30:17,440 00:30:19,080 to go out for a drive. to go out for a drive.
399 00:30:20,720 00:30:22,680 Danny called him on Facebook. Danny called him on Facebook.
400 00:30:22,680 00:30:24,680 He asked us all to go out for a drive. He asked us all to go out for a drive.
401 00:30:26,080 00:30:27,800 We all said no. We all said no.
402 00:30:27,800 00:30:29,680 Luke said yes. Luke said yes.
403 00:30:29,680 00:30:33,040 We didn't want him to go, because we wanted him to stay with us. We didn't want him to go, because we wanted him to stay with us.
404 00:30:34,160 00:30:36,160 I just had a bad feeling. I just had a bad feeling.
405 00:30:37,840 00:30:42,240 But he was insistent on going. But he was insistent on going.
406 00:30:44,680 00:30:49,400 In the end, I told Luke to have fun and I'd see him in the morning. In the end, I told Luke to have fun and I'd see him in the morning.
407 00:31:02,560 00:31:04,920 I think it was about a month after I come out of hospital, I think it was about a month after I come out of hospital,
408 00:31:04,920 00:31:08,120 if not a little bit longer, I then went and did the interview. if not a little bit longer, I then went and did the interview.
409 00:31:10,160 00:31:12,120 Right, the videos are running. OK. Right, the videos are running. OK.
410 00:31:12,120 00:31:14,760 I told them what I could remember. I told them what I could remember.
411 00:31:14,760 00:31:20,920 My job is to try and get an account from you about what you witnessed. My job is to try and get an account from you about what you witnessed.
412 00:31:20,920 00:31:23,720 Some of the stuff, I'd got answers to, some of the stuff, I didn't. Some of the stuff, I'd got answers to, some of the stuff, I didn't.
413 00:31:23,720 00:31:26,400 Your account, your truthful account, is important. Your account, your truthful account, is important.
414 00:31:26,400 00:31:27,800 It all just gets a bit hazy. It all just gets a bit hazy.
415 00:31:27,800 00:31:31,160 I can't remember what come before when, or anything like that. I can't remember what come before when, or anything like that.
416 00:31:33,000 00:31:36,560 Do you remember seeing or hearing or feeling anything Do you remember seeing or hearing or feeling anything
417 00:31:36,560 00:31:39,560 that may have been a reason why the car went out of control? that may have been a reason why the car went out of control?
418 00:31:59,520 00:32:02,160 I don't think I can remember an occasion when someone I don't think I can remember an occasion when someone
419 00:32:02,160 00:32:04,720 with a significant head injury has woken up and been able with a significant head injury has woken up and been able
420 00:32:04,720 00:32:09,160 to remember anything, so it was a surprise, to remember anything, so it was a surprise,
421 00:32:09,160 00:32:10,520 what he had to say. what he had to say.
422 00:32:24,760 00:32:29,200 There were some vague parts, but his account was very much There were some vague parts, but his account was very much
423 00:32:29,200 00:32:33,240 in line with what one of the other two lads had already told us. in line with what one of the other two lads had already told us.
424 00:32:33,240 00:32:35,840 So, before the crash, before the accident happened, So, before the crash, before the accident happened,
425 00:32:35,840 00:32:37,240 how was the driving at that point? how was the driving at that point?
426 00:33:02,560 00:33:05,440 He specifically remembered that Zax was driving the car at the time He specifically remembered that Zax was driving the car at the time
427 00:33:05,440 00:33:06,880 of the crash. of the crash.
428 00:33:06,880 00:33:10,440 Having said that, there was a big concern around the evidence Having said that, there was a big concern around the evidence
429 00:33:10,440 00:33:12,600 that Sonny provided us. that Sonny provided us.
430 00:33:12,600 00:33:17,120 And the concern being, is Sonny going to try and protect Danny? And the concern being, is Sonny going to try and protect Danny?
431 00:33:17,120 00:33:19,560 So, Dannylee, how do you know him? So, Dannylee, how do you know him?
432 00:33:32,480 00:33:36,360 Sonny and Dannylee were close, the wider families are close. Sonny and Dannylee were close, the wider families are close.
433 00:33:36,360 00:33:38,280 If we were to talk about allegiances, If we were to talk about allegiances,
434 00:33:38,280 00:33:41,960 then Sonny had a much greater allegiance to Danny, then Sonny had a much greater allegiance to Danny,
435 00:33:41,960 00:33:46,720 so I was sceptical, could this still be a fabricated account so I was sceptical, could this still be a fabricated account
436 00:33:46,720 00:33:48,600 Danny has fed to Sonny? Danny has fed to Sonny?
437 00:33:48,600 00:33:51,920 At what point did you remember what had happened? At what point did you remember what had happened?
438 00:33:58,640 00:34:00,560 OK, so, literally as soon as you woke up? OK, so, literally as soon as you woke up?
439 00:34:04,160 00:34:08,560 If I'm sat there thinking, this could be an attempt to frame If I'm sat there thinking, this could be an attempt to frame
440 00:34:08,560 00:34:12,680 Zax and get Danny out of trouble, then at a trial at a later date, Zax and get Danny out of trouble, then at a trial at a later date,
441 00:34:12,680 00:34:16,880 it's certainly something a defence lawyer may try and suggest. it's certainly something a defence lawyer may try and suggest.
442 00:34:16,880 00:34:18,880 Brilliant. Nothing else? OK. Brilliant. Nothing else? OK.
443 00:34:20,440 00:34:25,000 At this stage, I genuinely had no idea who was driving that car. At this stage, I genuinely had no idea who was driving that car.
444 00:34:25,000 00:34:26,520 And that's it. We'll get you home. And that's it. We'll get you home.
445 00:34:39,080 00:34:42,720 During the investigation, we ended up in total seizing During the investigation, we ended up in total seizing
446 00:34:42,720 00:34:44,160 seven mobile phones. seven mobile phones.
447 00:34:45,680 00:34:49,720 All seven phones were submitted for analysis. All seven phones were submitted for analysis.
448 00:34:49,720 00:34:52,360 What that meant was, we could read through the text What that meant was, we could read through the text
449 00:34:52,360 00:34:57,000 messages that were sent between both Zax and Danny on that night. messages that were sent between both Zax and Danny on that night.
450 00:34:57,000 00:34:59,520 Text conversation, it starts off with a text message Text conversation, it starts off with a text message
451 00:34:59,520 00:35:02,200 from Dannylee's phone to Zax's phone. from Dannylee's phone to Zax's phone.
452 00:35:07,040 00:35:08,480 Zax's phone replies. Zax's phone replies.
453 00:35:14,680 00:35:17,160 Then it goes back, saying, "Do you fancy putting a tenner Then it goes back, saying, "Do you fancy putting a tenner
454 00:35:17,160 00:35:18,800 "in the car and coming out for a drive?" "in the car and coming out for a drive?"
455 00:35:23,640 00:35:26,200 There's a bit of a gap, and then there's a message There's a bit of a gap, and then there's a message
456 00:35:26,200 00:35:28,080 from Dannylee's phone. from Dannylee's phone.
457 00:35:40,240 00:35:42,840 It was clear from the evidence that Zax had agreed It was clear from the evidence that Zax had agreed
458 00:35:42,840 00:35:44,360 to go out for a drive. to go out for a drive.
459 00:35:47,120 00:35:50,080 One of the other enquiries that we made was in relation One of the other enquiries that we made was in relation
460 00:35:50,080 00:35:51,720 to the petrol station. to the petrol station.
461 00:35:53,120 00:35:56,400 So, the account given by Dannylee gave us the petrol station So, the account given by Dannylee gave us the petrol station
462 00:35:56,400 00:35:59,520 that they went to. We then got the CCTV. that they went to. We then got the CCTV.
463 00:35:59,520 00:36:04,480 What that showed us is that the car driven by Dannylee arrives What that showed us is that the car driven by Dannylee arrives
464 00:36:04,480 00:36:08,880 on the forecourt, and then we see two lads walk up to the petrol pump. on the forecourt, and then we see two lads walk up to the petrol pump.
465 00:36:13,200 00:36:17,320 And then a person walks towards the night kiosk. And then a person walks towards the night kiosk.
466 00:36:21,080 00:36:22,520 Quite clearly, that is Zax. Quite clearly, that is Zax.
467 00:36:26,480 00:36:28,920 So, after they filled up with petrol, So, after they filled up with petrol,
468 00:36:28,920 00:36:31,280 Zax gets into the back of the car. Zax gets into the back of the car.
469 00:36:34,960 00:36:38,640 We now have evidence that clearly disputes We now have evidence that clearly disputes
470 00:36:38,640 00:36:40,680 what we've been told by Zax. what we've been told by Zax.
471 00:36:41,800 00:36:46,120 So, we know, at that point, Zax is in the car with So, we know, at that point, Zax is in the car with
472 00:36:46,120 00:36:47,520 Dannylee and Sonny. Dannylee and Sonny.
473 00:36:47,520 00:36:50,280 This was before they picked up Luke, so it's just the three of them This was before they picked up Luke, so it's just the three of them
474 00:36:50,280 00:36:52,160 in the car. in the car.
475 00:36:52,160 00:36:55,840 But what the CCTV doesn't show is anyone other than Dannylee But what the CCTV doesn't show is anyone other than Dannylee
476 00:36:55,840 00:36:57,880 driving the car. driving the car.
477 00:36:57,880 00:37:01,600 And we still can't say whether Zax was even in the car when it crashed. And we still can't say whether Zax was even in the car when it crashed.
478 00:37:14,480 00:37:17,440 We now know Zax has lied to us. We now know Zax has lied to us.
479 00:37:17,440 00:37:20,120 You're now at that point where you think, I am going to prove You're now at that point where you think, I am going to prove
480 00:37:20,120 00:37:21,720 which one of these two was driving. which one of these two was driving.
481 00:37:21,720 00:37:23,760 I am going to get an answer for the family. I am going to get an answer for the family.
482 00:37:23,760 00:37:27,040 We are going to prosecute someone for this. We are going to prosecute someone for this.
483 00:37:27,040 00:37:31,680 We had exhausted witnesses, we had exhausted CCTV. We had exhausted witnesses, we had exhausted CCTV.
484 00:37:31,680 00:37:34,640 I knew that it was going to come down to forensics. I knew that it was going to come down to forensics.
485 00:37:34,640 00:37:36,320 We had one chance left, We had one chance left,
486 00:37:36,320 00:37:41,120 which was around testing the seat belts for fibre-plastic fusion. which was around testing the seat belts for fibre-plastic fusion.
487 00:37:42,960 00:37:45,360 When a vehicle hits something, it's had an accident, When a vehicle hits something, it's had an accident,
488 00:37:45,360 00:37:49,760 that energy of somebody being thrown against the seat belt, that energy of somebody being thrown against the seat belt,
489 00:37:49,760 00:37:53,600 it's a bit like you having a rope pulled through your hands it's a bit like you having a rope pulled through your hands
490 00:37:53,600 00:37:55,680 and the heat and the rope burn that you get. and the heat and the rope burn that you get.
491 00:37:55,680 00:37:59,440 Well, that's what the seat belt does to the clothing. Well, that's what the seat belt does to the clothing.
492 00:37:59,440 00:38:03,200 The energy transforms into heat, and then at that split second, The energy transforms into heat, and then at that split second,
493 00:38:03,200 00:38:05,080 it will melt the clothing. it will melt the clothing.
494 00:38:06,120 00:38:10,600 So, if we can find this melted material on the seat belts So, if we can find this melted material on the seat belts
495 00:38:10,600 00:38:13,200 that could have originated from the jackets that they were that could have originated from the jackets that they were
496 00:38:13,200 00:38:17,880 wearing, we could identify who was driving that vehicle wearing, we could identify who was driving that vehicle
497 00:38:17,880 00:38:19,960 at the point of the accident. at the point of the accident.
498 00:38:21,440 00:38:25,320 I was apprehensive about these sorts of tests. I was apprehensive about these sorts of tests.
499 00:38:25,320 00:38:28,560 It's not something that has a particularly high success It's not something that has a particularly high success
500 00:38:28,560 00:38:31,880 rate, and with forensic testing, there's always a long wait. rate, and with forensic testing, there's always a long wait.
501 00:38:40,680 00:38:44,880 It took a long time for them to sort the investigation. It took a long time for them to sort the investigation.
502 00:38:46,080 00:38:48,960 None of my questions seemed to be being answered. None of my questions seemed to be being answered.
503 00:38:51,440 00:38:54,600 At the time, it was really difficult. At the time, it was really difficult.
504 00:38:54,600 00:39:00,000 Well, I'm his mum, I should know. You know, I'm allowed to know. Well, I'm his mum, I should know. You know, I'm allowed to know.
505 00:39:00,000 00:39:02,080 And they were all, "No, you're not." And they were all, "No, you're not."
506 00:39:07,640 00:39:10,880 It's really frustrating, really frustrating. It's really frustrating, really frustrating.
507 00:39:12,560 00:39:14,520 And it was a lot of crying. And it was a lot of crying.
508 00:39:16,920 00:39:20,520 Luke was the gel that seemed to make everything work, Luke was the gel that seemed to make everything work,
509 00:39:20,520 00:39:22,120 and he made our family work. and he made our family work.
510 00:39:23,160 00:39:24,520 There you go, sweetie. There you go, sweetie.
511 00:39:34,840 00:39:37,280 I thought it was Dannylee driving. I thought it was Dannylee driving.
512 00:39:39,520 00:39:43,400 What young man lets someone else drive their car? What young man lets someone else drive their car?
513 00:39:54,080 00:39:56,440 We were a long way into the investigation by the time we got We were a long way into the investigation by the time we got
514 00:39:56,440 00:40:00,120 all of the forensic evidence around the seat belts. all of the forensic evidence around the seat belts.
515 00:40:02,200 00:40:05,160 As you're about to open the report, this is make or break, As you're about to open the report, this is make or break,
516 00:40:05,160 00:40:08,320 really. This is going to solve the investigation, really. This is going to solve the investigation,
517 00:40:08,320 00:40:10,760 or we're going to be in a position where we still don't know. or we're going to be in a position where we still don't know.
518 00:40:13,800 00:40:16,560 Having read the report, it was a massive relief, Having read the report, it was a massive relief,
519 00:40:16,560 00:40:17,640 massive relief. massive relief.
520 00:40:20,400 00:40:24,040 The front passenger seat had the fibre-plastic fusion - The front passenger seat had the fibre-plastic fusion -
521 00:40:24,040 00:40:26,920 we could prove who was actually sat in that seat at the time we could prove who was actually sat in that seat at the time
522 00:40:26,920 00:40:28,160 of the accident. of the accident.
523 00:40:29,200 00:40:32,720 Also, we'd found about ten hairs, all with roots on, Also, we'd found about ten hairs, all with roots on,
524 00:40:32,720 00:40:34,960 from the driver's seat belt. from the driver's seat belt.
525 00:40:34,960 00:40:38,280 The laboratory reported back that, in their opinion, The laboratory reported back that, in their opinion,
526 00:40:38,280 00:40:40,680 those would have been pulled from the head at the point those would have been pulled from the head at the point
527 00:40:40,680 00:40:42,360 of the impact. of the impact.
528 00:40:42,360 00:40:45,680 They went on to do DNA analysis, and that came back with They went on to do DNA analysis, and that came back with
529 00:40:45,680 00:40:46,760 a full profile. a full profile.
530 00:40:51,600 00:40:54,920 We made the decision to bring both cousins back in for interview. We made the decision to bring both cousins back in for interview.
531 00:41:04,200 00:41:07,520 We needed to interview both of them, to challenge their account. We needed to interview both of them, to challenge their account.
532 00:41:12,560 00:41:15,080 But from the evidence we had established at that point, But from the evidence we had established at that point,
533 00:41:15,080 00:41:17,280 there was only really one main suspect. there was only really one main suspect.
534 00:41:30,560 00:41:33,480 We knew who the driver was of that car. We knew who the driver was of that car.
535 00:41:33,480 00:41:36,000 But he has to have the opportunity to see the evidence But he has to have the opportunity to see the evidence
536 00:41:36,000 00:41:38,320 and make comment on it. and make comment on it.
537 00:41:38,320 00:41:41,360 There's also an element of, this might be the point he decides, There's also an element of, this might be the point he decides,
538 00:41:41,360 00:41:43,320 "I'm going to admit to what I've done." "I'm going to admit to what I've done."
539 00:43:06,600 00:43:09,640 The tactic for the interview was to bring the evidence in, The tactic for the interview was to bring the evidence in,
540 00:43:09,640 00:43:12,080 one piece of evidence at the time. one piece of evidence at the time.
541 00:43:15,520 00:43:18,080 So, if he lied each time, we could just disprove So, if he lied each time, we could just disprove
542 00:43:18,080 00:43:19,440 what he was saying. what he was saying.
543 00:43:23,680 00:43:26,400 Just to show, really, that the account he was giving Just to show, really, that the account he was giving
544 00:43:26,400 00:43:28,080 was just not plausible. was just not plausible.
545 00:43:31,520 00:43:34,560 But you told me that you'd never been in the car, so... But you told me that you'd never been in the car, so...
546 00:44:30,320 00:44:32,400 Eventually we got to the forensic evidence. Eventually we got to the forensic evidence.
547 00:44:32,400 00:44:34,800 He basically then closed down. He basically then closed down.
548 00:44:59,160 00:45:03,120 The interview went exactly to plan, he couldn't explain anything away. The interview went exactly to plan, he couldn't explain anything away.
549 00:45:13,120 00:45:15,840 We proved everything he said was a pack of lies. We proved everything he said was a pack of lies.
550 00:45:15,840 00:45:18,480 It ended with an aggressive, angry Zax. It ended with an aggressive, angry Zax.
551 00:45:42,840 00:45:46,080 We have no idea how he got home or what route he took to get away We have no idea how he got home or what route he took to get away
552 00:45:46,080 00:45:49,520 from the scene, but we knew Zax was the driver on that night from the scene, but we knew Zax was the driver on that night
553 00:45:49,520 00:45:51,400 when the car came off the road. when the car came off the road.
554 00:45:59,120 00:46:03,160 It turned out that Dannylee was telling the truth, and so was Sonny. It turned out that Dannylee was telling the truth, and so was Sonny.
555 00:46:09,920 00:46:12,160 Luke was such a laugh to have around. Luke was such a laugh to have around.
556 00:46:12,160 00:46:14,280 As soon as we got in the car, everyone was laughing As soon as we got in the car, everyone was laughing
557 00:46:14,280 00:46:16,320 and having a good time. and having a good time.
558 00:46:29,480 00:46:33,360 Zax was proper, "Come on, cuz, let me drive. Zax was proper, "Come on, cuz, let me drive.
559 00:46:34,400 00:46:36,560 "Give me a driving lesson." "Give me a driving lesson."
560 00:46:55,560 00:46:58,960 As soon as they switched, it was a hell of a lot faster As soon as they switched, it was a hell of a lot faster
561 00:46:58,960 00:47:00,360 than what the speed limits were. than what the speed limits were.
562 00:47:04,520 00:47:06,600 Yeah, he was just laughing and joking around. Yeah, he was just laughing and joking around.
563 00:47:06,600 00:47:08,960 "OK, cool, we'll go faster, we'll go faster." "OK, cool, we'll go faster, we'll go faster."
564 00:47:08,960 00:47:10,680 "No, we don't want to go faster." "No, we don't want to go faster."
565 00:47:10,680 00:47:13,240 I genuinely thought he was either drunk, or on something I genuinely thought he was either drunk, or on something
566 00:47:13,240 00:47:14,600 because he was too hectic. because he was too hectic.
567 00:47:16,200 00:47:18,720 Luke's seat belt didn't work properly, he was just kind of Luke's seat belt didn't work properly, he was just kind of
568 00:47:18,720 00:47:20,480 holding it in place. holding it in place.
569 00:47:34,640 00:47:36,840 He should have... he should have slowed down. He should have... he should have slowed down.
570 00:47:52,720 00:47:56,160 At the end of the day, I feel sorry for everyone in that car. At the end of the day, I feel sorry for everyone in that car.
571 00:47:56,160 00:47:59,640 Even Zax. You know, he's killed someone. Even Zax. You know, he's killed someone.
572 00:47:59,640 00:48:01,000 He's got to live with that. He's got to live with that.
573 00:48:14,120 00:48:18,680 Dannylee - you know, he's got to live with the fact Dannylee - you know, he's got to live with the fact
574 00:48:18,680 00:48:20,560 that he's lost his best mate. that he's lost his best mate.
575 00:48:20,560 00:48:24,440 He's got to live with the fact that he was the one who had the car. He's got to live with the fact that he was the one who had the car.
576 00:48:40,480 00:48:42,880 Sonny, I feel sorry for like, he's not the same, Sonny, I feel sorry for like, he's not the same,
577 00:48:42,880 00:48:44,320 he's never going to be the same. he's never going to be the same.
578 00:48:51,120 00:48:55,000 I don't think I was this paranoid with people before my accident. I don't think I was this paranoid with people before my accident.
579 00:48:55,000 00:48:58,400 I fly off the handle a hell of a lot more than I used to. I fly off the handle a hell of a lot more than I used to.
580 00:48:58,400 00:49:01,200 It's like something small will happen, or something will slightly It's like something small will happen, or something will slightly
581 00:49:01,200 00:49:03,520 change, and it will just completely do my head in change, and it will just completely do my head in
582 00:49:03,520 00:49:05,520 and I won't be able to cope with it. and I won't be able to cope with it.
583 00:49:07,280 00:49:09,720 I felt bad towards Dannylee in the beginning, I felt bad towards Dannylee in the beginning,
584 00:49:09,720 00:49:13,080 I felt that he felt too guilty over it. I felt that he felt too guilty over it.
585 00:49:13,080 00:49:15,600 I can't really have that much of an issue with him I can't really have that much of an issue with him
586 00:49:15,600 00:49:17,880 if he's holding his hands up to what he's done. if he's holding his hands up to what he's done.
587 00:49:19,440 00:49:23,040 But with Zax, I really could not give a damn. But with Zax, I really could not give a damn.
588 00:49:24,480 00:49:27,760 He wasn't man enough to hold his hands up and admit what he's done. He wasn't man enough to hold his hands up and admit what he's done.
589 00:49:32,520 00:49:37,040 I blame Dannylee as much as I blame Zax for Luke's death. I blame Dannylee as much as I blame Zax for Luke's death.
590 00:49:38,720 00:49:40,960 In some ways a little bit more. In some ways a little bit more.
591 00:49:42,120 00:49:47,200 Had it not been for Dannylee, Luke wouldn't have been in the car. Had it not been for Dannylee, Luke wouldn't have been in the car.
592 00:49:51,480 00:49:54,360 It just goes through your head, "Why Luke?" It just goes through your head, "Why Luke?"
593 00:49:54,360 00:49:58,880 You know, "Why was it Luke that was killed, and not the driver or, You know, "Why was it Luke that was killed, and not the driver or,
594 00:49:58,880 00:50:02,760 "you know, the front seat passenger, why was it him?" "you know, the front seat passenger, why was it him?"
595 00:50:04,040 00:50:08,360 I know it's selfish, but it does go through your head. I know it's selfish, but it does go through your head.
596 00:50:10,480 00:50:12,000 Luke was innocent... Luke was innocent...
597 00:50:13,520 00:50:15,000 ..and it's not fair. ..and it's not fair.
598 00:50:24,280 00:50:27,080 # You can't cry # You can't cry
599 00:50:27,080 00:50:32,880 # Put your glad rags on and let's sing along # Put your glad rags on and let's sing along
600 00:50:32,880 00:50:37,200 # To that lonely song # To that lonely song
601 00:50:37,200 00:50:41,600 # You're the train that crashed my heart # You're the train that crashed my heart
602 00:50:41,600 00:50:45,240 # You're the glitter in the dark # You're the glitter in the dark
603 00:50:45,240 00:50:47,760 # Oh, Laura # Oh, Laura
604 00:50:47,760 00:50:50,840 # You're more than a superstar. # # You're more than a superstar. #