Two men involved in a reckless car chase that ended with the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy have been sentenced to jail time. Aaron Conway, 39, from Villas Road, Plumstead, and Joseph Barnes, 41, from Byfleet, Surrey, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court and received their sentences today. Barnes, who was previously convicted of murder, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years behind bars, while Conway, who had a prior conviction for manslaughter, was sentenced to 16 years in prison. Additionally, a third man charged in connection to the incident was acquitted after a trial.
The court heard that the heartbreaking chain of events was set in motion by a series of disputes following the breakdown of Conway’s daughter’s relationship with the victim, 16-year-old Tafari Thompson-Mintah. Conway was determined to intimidate and threaten Tafari, leading to the tragic events that unfolded on October 9, 2023.
The Tragic Incident Unfolds
On that fateful day, Conway and Barnes, riding in a stolen car with Barnes at the wheel, spotted Tafari and engaged in a high-speed chase. In a horrifying turn of events, they swerved towards Tafari, intentionally knocking him off his scooter. The impact caused Tafari to be thrown into the path of an oncoming car, resulting in fatal injuries that claimed his life despite the efforts of emergency services on the scene.
Justice Served
Following the incident, CCTV footage reviewed by the Metropolitan Police led to the arrest of Conway, Barnes, and the third individual involved in the case. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, who spearheaded the investigation, emphasized the role both Conway and Barnes played in the tragic ending of Tafari’s life by encouraging reckless driving. He acknowledged the profound loss experienced by Tafari’s family and expressed hope that the lengthy prison sentences handed down would offer them some semblance of closure in the face of their immeasurable grief.
The devastating loss of a young life in such a senseless and preventable manner serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible actions behind the wheel and the far-reaching consequences of reckless behavior. Let us all strive to prioritize safety and respect on the roads to prevent further tragedies like this one from occurring.
