Convicted Driver Seeking Early Release After Fatal Car Crash Near Timaru
A driver who was jailed for causing a horrific car crash near Timaru in New Zealand is applying for early release from prison. Tyreese Stuart Fleming, 20, was convicted for killing five teenage friends in the accident. The Parole Board initially refused his request for early release in May, citing concerns about his remorse. The board will reconsider Fleming’s application later this month.
On August 6, 2021, Fleming, then 19, was driving a Nissan Bluebird with his friends as passengers when he crashed into a concrete power pole. The impact was so severe that the car was split in half, resulting in the deaths of Javarney Wayne Drummond, Niko William Hill, Jack Jacko Wallace, Joseff Joey McCarthy, and Andrew Goodger, all aged between 15 and 16. Fleming was the sole survivor.
Fleming was charged with five counts of manslaughter but pleaded guilty to five lesser charges of dangerous driving causing death. In June 2022, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison. He became eligible for parole in May 2023, but the parole board denied his early release.
During the hearing, Fleming expressed his remorse for the tragic event, stating that he will forever be sorry for what happened. However, the board questioned his sincerity and raised concerns about his risk-taking behavior, drinking, and rule-breaking tendencies. Fleming claimed that he had learned from his mistakes and now considers the consequences of his actions before taking them. He also stated that he has abstained from alcohol since the crash.
The board also highlighted the ongoing emotional harm caused to the victims’ families and the community. Three families of the victims met with the board and expressed their belief that Fleming should serve his entire sentence. They emphasized the significant impact the deaths had on their lives and the pain they continue to endure.
While Fleming has been assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending and has actively engaged in programs and activities within the prison, the board believes that he still needs to strengthen his release and safety plans. They emphasized the need for a thorough plan to manage peer pressure and ensure a support system is in place upon his release. Additionally, the board expressed concerns about the lack of a clear plan for remaining abstinent from substances, especially alcohol, in the community.
The parole board has postponed the next scheduled hearing from August to September, considering that August marks the anniversary of the young men’s deaths. Fleming’s sentence is set to end on December 28, 2024, unless he is granted parole earlier.
The case has deeply impacted the Timaru community, with the devastating loss of five young lives. Now, the parole board must carefully consider Fleming’s request for early release, taking into account the concerns raised and the need to ensure public safety and accountability.
