A driver who inhaled laughing gas while driving has been sentenced to nine years and four months in prison after admitting to causing a high-speed crash that killed his three teenage passengers in the United Kingdom.
Thomas Johnson, 19, confessed to inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons while driving and reaching speeds over 100mph on a road with a 30mph speed limit.
Thomas Johnson was traveling at nearly 100mph in his BMW 3 Series on June 20, 2023, when he lost control on the A415 in Marcham, Oxfordshire.
His car struck a lamp post and a tree, killing passengers Ethan Goddard and Daniel Hancock, both 18, and 17-year-old Elliot Pullen.
At Oxford Crown Court, Johnson admitted to causing three deaths by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nine years and four months, with a driving ban lasting 11 years and 11 weeks.
The victims’ families expressed their devastation, describing Johnson as a “cocky teenage boy” whose reckless behaviour ended three young lives. They urged others not to follow his example.
Ethan’s father, Robert Goddard, said, “He’s ruined everyone’s life, he’s taken three, ruined his own life, devastated ours, just for showing off.”
Daniel Hancock’s family cautioned others about the risks of reckless driving, saying, “Please learn from this, an opportunity that the boys were not fortunate enough to be given.”
Elliot’s sister, Mia Pullen, shared her pain, saying, “I know he’s not an awful person, but he made some awful decisions… This is his fault, he’s done this, he’s killed them, and I hope it stays with him forever.”
Elliot’s parents, Kate and Giles Pullen, described their anguish, “We feel a physical longing and pain that we never got to hold Elliot and say our goodbyes.”
Evidence presented in court revealed Johnson had only held his license for less than a year.
At the time of the crash, he was driving aggressively with the car’s safety systems deactivated.
Videos recorded moments before the crash showed Johnson and his passengers inhaling nitrous oxide and speeding. Only Ethan was wearing a seatbelt.
The crash investigator confirmed Johnson was traveling at nearly 97mph in a 30mph zone when he lost control.
Detectives said Johnson initially denied driving fast or using nitrous oxide, though he did not contest being the driver at the time.
Judge Emma Nott condemned Johnson’s actions, stating, “Three passengers will never see beyond their teenage years, and you move out of yours significantly and permanently disabled.”
Families of the victims have since advocated for stricter licensing laws for young drivers.
Kate and Giles Pullen said, “There is overwhelming evidence that these licences will save lives. Lives like Elliot’s, Ethan’s, and Daniel’s.”
Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins called the incident a tragic case, adding, “You hope they don’t put themselves in vulnerable positions… It really is a tragic case.”
In memory of Elliot, Mia Pullen and her aunt raised funds for RoadPeace, a charity supporting crash victims and their families.
Reflecting on her loss, Mia said, “[Elliot’s] room’s not his room anymore… It doesn’t feel like a family anymore; it’s very difficult.”
