Posted on the 27th October 2025 in PHTM News

DRUNK DRUG IMPAIRED DRIVER JAILED FOR FATAL MORECAMBE TAXI COLLISION

A man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison - 12 years custodial - after killing a father-of-three in a collision while driving a stolen car at high speed in Morecambe.

Wayne Putley, a 50-year-old father-of-three, was a passenger in a taxi hit by a stolen Fiat Punto driven by Jez Shepherd (pictured) on Westgate in August. Mr. Putley, a beloved dry stone waller and community helper, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Jez Shepherd, 23, had stolen the Punto earlier that day. At the time of the crash, he was driving at nearly 90mph in a 30mph zone, was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit, and was high on drugs.

Shepherd, from Morecambe, pleaded guilty to several charges, including causing death by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on Friday, October 24, to 15 years, with a minimum of eight years in custody. He was also disqualified from driving for 16 years.

Mr. Putley was remembered by his family as a "loveable rogue with a kind heart" who was known for his community work, including helping at a local homeless shelter and church. They stated his death had "shattered the family and left a massive hole that could not be filled."

His family also stressed that the tragedy was "completely avoidable," and described the actions as "reckless... with absolute disregard for anything or anyone on that day." They described the car as a "deadly weapon in Mr Shepherd’s hands."

Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Martin Wilcock, of the Specialist Operations team, offered condolences to the family for the loss of a "clearly very well-loved man in tragic circumstances."

He added, “Jez Shepherd was clearly intoxicated and drove a stolen car at incredibly dangerous speeds before colliding with the taxi in which Mr Putley was a passenger with tragic and catastrophic consequences.”

Sgt Wilcock expressed hope that the "significant jail term gives Mr Putley’s loved ones some sense that justice has been served and gives Mr Shepherd time to reflect on his devastating actions on that fateful day.”


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