28/05/2026
A couple have been jailed for causing the death of a motorcyclist in Guildford.
Justin Whelan, 33, and Kayleigh Grant, 37, have been jailed for a combined total of 13 years following a fatal collision in Wanborough on 14 October 2023. Whelan, driving a blue Ford Mondeo, lost control of his car on a bend, crossing into the opposite lane and colliding with an oncoming motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, 62-year-old Kevin Jones, sadly died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained from the collision.
Excessive speed was concluded to be a significant factor in this collision. CCTV and witness evidence showed Whelan driving at 88mph in a 40mph limit just over a mile before the collision, and overtaking another car in a 30mph zone by a crossroads junction in a manoeuvre described as “very dangerous” by a witness.
Grant was in the front passenger seat of the Ford Mondeo. Rather than urge Whelan to slow down, she recorded him on her phone and offered encouragement to him as he drove towards the scene of the collision. Her four children, all aged 13 or under, were in the rear of the car with them. The car was only designed for three rear seat passengers, and at the time of the collision a six-year-old child was sat in the footwell behind Grant with no form of protective restraints.
Grant left the scene with her children prior to police arrival and later lied when questioned about how many children had been in the back of the car.
Whelan had purchased the vehicle four days before the collision. In a message to a friend, he said “Oh my God, it's a fast, fast, fast, fast car”.
Whelan, (29/01/1993), of St Leonards-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving on 18 August 2025 and was subsequently remanded in custody pending sentencing. He has now been sentenced to nine years and four months’ imprisonment. The judge said that the prison sentence would have been 14 years and had only been reduced due to Whelan’s early guilty plea. Whelan was also disqualified from driving for 16 years and two months.
Grant, (14/09/1988), of Hastings, pleaded not guilty to abetting causing death by dangerous driving and to wilfully exposing a child in a manner likely to cause them unnecessary suffering or injury to health. However, following a five-day trial at Guildford Crown Court, she was found guilty by a jury on Friday 6 March 2026. She was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.
His Honour Judge Aubrey said that Whelan had been driving at a “grossly excessive speed”, that Grant had been “exhilarated at the manner of Whelan’s driving”, and that she chose to “to egg him on to continue to drive at grossly excessive speed.”
Investigating officer DC Greg Brown said, “I want to thank the witnesses who provided evidence in this case, which helped secure these convictions.
“Our thoughts remain with Kevin’s family who have shown dignity throughout this process.
“Justin Whelan’s dangerous driving, encouraged by Kayleigh Grant, caused this collision which tragically cost Kevin Jones his life. His death was entirely avoidable.
“The defendants showed a disregard not only for other road users but also for the safety of the four children in their own car.
“Excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads. Surrey Police will continue to proactively target those who choose to take risks and break the law.”
Paying tribute to him, Kevin’s family said, “We are devastated with the loss of Kevin. He was a shining light in our lives, and that light has now been extinguished early by the reckless actions of others.
“Kevin was kind, considerate, supportive without question and was always happy and laughing. He was the true definition of a gentleman, always happy to help and support anyone around him and touched the lives of everyone he met. Our lives are now much darker without him and still miss him terribly.
“We would like to thank family and friends for their support during these dark times, the police who worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice, and our Family Liaison Officer for his guidance, help and support through this process.”
