Joshua Rafferty Sentenced to 9 Years for Deadly Stolen Car Crash
DONCASTER, UK – Joshua Rafferty, 20, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after crashing a stolen car while under the influence, leading to the death of his half-brother, Aiden Allen, 31.
The fatal collision occurred on Goodison Boulevard in Cantley on 26 July 2024, when Rafferty lost control of a Ford Mondeo he was driving at high speed. Allen died at the scene, while Rafferty had to be freed from the wreckage.
At Sheffield Crown Court, Rafferty admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, possession of Class A drugs, and multiple driving offences. He was also banned from driving for 15 years and three months.
Following the crash, hospital staff discovered Class A drugs, including cocaine and heroin, hidden in Rafferty’s socks. Blood tests revealed he was over the legal limit for alcohol and had cocaine in his system. He was driving without a full licence and uninsured.
PC Natalie Booler of South Yorkshire Police said:
“Rafferty got behind the wheel knowing he wasn’t fit to drive. His reckless choices cost Aiden his life.”
Aiden Allen’s family described him as a “kind, caring and extremely loyal” father to two young sons.
“The boys were his world, and he was theirs,” their statement read.
“He was so proud of them, spending weekends cheering them on at football.”
The court heard Rafferty had no regard for safety and had taken a series of reckless actions leading up to the tragedy.
He will serve his sentence in full before being eligible for release, followed by an extended driving disqualification.
