Crash victim speaks after Porsche driver convicted

Malton architect Philip Thompson urged other drivers to remember that crashes have consequences and not to drive as though it was a “video game”.

Both he and his passengers say that though the physical injuries they suffered when Benjamin James Swift, now 21, crashed into their Land Rover Defender have healed, the psychological effects remain.  

They have never been back as a family to the stately home they were trying to reach on July 7, 2024.

They were at York Crown Court to see Swift convicted unanimously of causing serious injury to Mr Thompson by dangerous driving.

“I am so relieved I got onto the grass verge,” said Mr Thompson of the crash after the verdict. “Nobody was killed. It could have been far worse.”

He and his front seat passenger, Jacqueline Bell, told the jury how he swerved to the left and slammed on the brakes in a vain bid to avoid the Porsche Boxster zigzagging across the road in front of them after Swift lost control at 80mph.

There was a fence along the road that prevented the Land Rover leaving the road completely.

Mr Thompson said the crash has changed the way he drives and that he is now anxious when behind the wheel.

“I will pull over if I see someone is driving fast until they are past.  Some people drive as though it’s a video game. Crashes have consequences.”

Because of his work, Mr Thompson has to drive in the Castle Howard area. 

“I need to drive that road,” he said. “The first time I drove it (after the crash) was nerve-wracking but I thought, I have to do it.”

Mr Thompson said he was “gobsmacked” when Swift decided, despite appearing to be sorry for the crash at the scene, to deny dangerous driving and have a trial.  

That decision meant the case was delayed by a year after Swift’s first appearance in court and that Mr Thompson and his family had to relive their experiences on the southern approach to Castle Howard in front of the jury.

Other drivers, unconnected with Mr Thompson and his family, also gave evidence against Swift about the manner of his driving.

“It’s been hanging over us for two years,” said Mr Thompson. “I am really thankful that they came forward as they did and showed their public spirit.”

Recorder Geraldine Kelly said the evidence against Swift had been “overwhelming”.