Man jailed after killing friend in collision days after passing driving test
Friday, May 15, 2026
A teenager has been jailed after his dangerous driving killed his friend and passenger in his car.
17-year-old Max Greenhouse died after the collision on Fir Tree Lane in Aughton in December 2024.
The driver of the car, Joe McAldon, who was also 17 at the time had passed his test just six days prior. He picked Max and two other friends – both boys, aged 16 and 17 at the time, before going for a drive up to the nearby Clieves Hill in Aughton.
He later drove away from Clieves Hill, and was speeding down the rural lane before losing control of his Vauxhall Corsa, before colliding with the stone wall of a farmhouse shortly after 9pm on 11th December.
Witnesses described hearing a bang as the car struck the wall, before hearing McAldon shout ‘I need to get out’. They called the emergency services, and began administering first aid to the injured passengers.
McAldon and his other passengers suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital.
Max was also taken to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, did not survive his injuries, and died a short time later.
An investigation commenced, and through enquiries we discovered that McAldon would have been driving the car at at least 57mph.
The bend where McAldon lost control of the car could easily be navigated, if he had been driving at the speed limit of the road – 40mph.
McAldon was later interviewed under caution, once he had recovered from his injuries. He gave our officers a prepared statement, stating he couldn’t remember the collision, before answering no comment to further questions.
Now age 18, McAldon, of Ridgeway Drive, Lydiate, Merseyside, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Appearing back in the dock today (15th May), McAldon was sentenced to four years in custody and disqualified from driving for eight years.
Max’s family have suffered an unimaginable loss. They have written some words for us to share with you today, and have provided the below pictures of Max:
“Our son, Max, was just 17 years old. He was a loving, caring boy who brought so much warmth and kindness into the lives of everyone who knew him. He had his whole life ahead of him-his plans, his dreams, his future—all taken away in an instant.
“The actions of one individual have torn our world apart in a way that words can barely describe. No sentence can ever make up for the loss we now live every single day.
“We will never get over losing Max. There will always be an empty space in our lives where he should be-at home with us, laughing with his friends, growing into the person he was meant to become.
“We hope this case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences dangerous driving can have. One reckless decision can destroy lives-not only for those directly involved, but for the families and communities left behind.
“Max deserved the chance to live his life. That chance has been taken from him, and from us, forever.”
DS Joe Ghigi of Lancashire Police said: “McAldon’s choice to drive dangerously, without care for those in his car, or around him, took his friend’s life.
“It’s clear from his family’s statement that Max was a dearly loved young man, who, at only 17, had a long life ahead of him.
“McAldon has not only deprived Max of his life, but has significantly impacted the lives of his friends who were also in the car, and his own life too.
“He was a new driver, and did what many people do in the days after they passed their test – took his friends out for a drive. What McAldon also did though, was drive dangerously, speed down rural country lanes, and put himself and his friends at risk. He was responsible for Max’s death, because of the way he was driving.
“No sentence will bring Max back to his loved ones, or make the lives of his other friends in the car the exact same as before, but I hope that they, and Max’s loved ones can begin to rebuild their lives knowing that McAldon has admitted his actions, and has been brought to justice. I hope McAldon can use his custodial term to reflect on his actions.
“If you are reading this, and are someone who thinks it is acceptable to drive in the manner that McAldon did, I want you to see this as an example of the devastation of your impulsive and reckless choices can have.
“Driving laws are there for a reason – not to spoil your fun, but to save lives. If you know someone who drives dangerously, or witness dangerous driving, please, remember the consequences, do the responsible thing, and report it to us.”
If a crime is ongoing, always call 999. If you have information to share with us, please call 101.
