Drugged-up unlicensed driver jailed for killing 'impeccable' Huddersfield student

A Huddersfield man has been jailed for ten years after the death of 18-year-old Oliver Pryde in 2021.

On July 12, 2021, Oliver, a Maths student at the University of Huddersfield from Cumbria, was out watching England in the Euro 2020 final. He was making his way home when he was killed while crossing Penistone Road in Kirkburton by a Vauxhall Corsa at 12.20am, just two weeks before his 19th birthday.

Now, 33-year-old Adam Smith has been jailed for ten years after being found guilty of causing death by careless driving when unfit through drugs, causing death while unlicensed and uninsured.

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Following his conviction, Oliver's mum Stacey paid tribute to Oliver and his memory. She said: "Oliver wanted to become a maths teacher at his old secondary school. His words were that he wanted to teach others and inspire the next generation just like his teachers had inspired him.

"Since his death, his school have put in place an award in Oliver’s name, The Oliver Pryde award for mathematics – it’s a way that he can continue to inspire the next generation.

"No justice will ever be served in my eyes. I am left with a lifetime without Oliver and I’m left trying to rebuild the family that this person broke."

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Oliver was the oldest of four children, and left behind his two brothers, Reece 12, Finlay, 11, and his little sister Libby, eight. Netherhall School in Maryport also issued a tribute after the news of his death in 2021, saying: "Oliver left Netherhall School last summer; he was a superb student, impeccable young man, a joy to be around, loved and respected by all and a great credit to his family, many friends, teachers and fellow students."

Adam Smith pleaded not guilty throughout the trial at Leeds Crown Court. After six days, he was found guilty of all offences. On April 22, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and disqualified from driving for nine years.

Detective Constable Mark Turner, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “Despite having no driver’s licence or insurance and having consumed nearly twice the legal limit of drugs, Smith chose to get behind the wheel of a car with tragic consequences.

"His actions has left Oliver’s family and friends devastated and deprived Oliver of a promising future. I hope this highlights the dangers and consequences of drug driving – we welcome the sentence that has been handed down and hope it acts as a deterrent to others."