A speedboat skipper and company owner have avoided jail sentences over a speedboat crash that killed a teenage passenger.
Michael Lawrence, 55, and Michael Howley, 52, the owner of the Seadogz boat trip firm, received 18-week prison sentences suspended for two years at Winchester Crown Court following the death of 15-year-old Emily Lewis.
Lawrence, who piloted the vessel, was convicted of failing to maintain a proper lookout and a safe speed before the crash on August 22, 2020, but was cleared of manslaughter following the trial.
Howley was convicted of not operating the boat safely following a majority verdict from a jury.
The court heard from prosecutor Christine Agnew KC how Emily’s parents, Simon and Nikki, had chosen to take their daughter and her 18-year-old sister on a « high thrills » speedboat ride.
During their ride, the boat reached speeds of 47.8 knots (55mph), exceeding the 40 knot (46mph) speed limit she alleged both defendants believed was still in place.
The rigid boat ventured into the waters in « perfect conditions », and crossed the wake of a Red Falcon ferry five times before it headed towards and collided with the 4.5m high North West Netley buoy at 36.6 knots (42.11 mph).
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