The family of George Greaves who was killed in a collision near the Ashley Heath roundabout have paid tribute to him following the jailing of the motorist who was responsible for his death.

In a statement, the family said: “The sudden loss of our happy smiling George – son, brother, grandson and friend – has devastated our family and changed all our futures forever.

“He leaves behind a huge number of heartbroken family and friends who loved him so dearly for so many different reasons. We will all remember George for his kindness and care for others, plus his awesome guitar skills that provided us and him with so much pleasure.

“The world was far more wonderful with George in it. He will be forever missed by us all for the promising life we were so looking forward to being a part of – that now will never be. Rest and rock in peace George.”

George Greaves from Hampshire died in a collision on 15 June, which occurred around 300 metres before the Ashley Heath Roundabout on the northbound carriageway of the A338. He was the front seat passenger of a Nissan Micra when it was approaching the roundabout and was slowing down. A Lexus GS300 being driven by the defendant, Yusuf Muzil, 22, from London, was reported to have come up from behind it at speed and collided with the back of it. This caused the Micra to leave the road and it ended up in the verge.

Very sadly, 31-year-old George was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants from the vehicle were taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.

Members of the public went to assist at the scene and witnesses reported seeing the three occupants of the Lexus remove a black holdall bag from the vehicle and flee the scene. The registration plates from the vehicle were also removed before they left the collision site.

Searches of the area were carried out, with support from the NPAS helicopter and a dog unit, and the three suspects were subsequently detained in a nearby caravan park.

Following enquiries, witnesses reported seeing the Lexus travelling at speeds in excess of 80mph in the moments leading up to the collision.

Yusuf Muzil was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday 29 September after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and disqualified from driving for three years, with the ban due to commence upon his release from prison.

Muzil was subsequently charged with driving offences while the two other men, who were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, were released without charge following a detailed investigation by the Roads Policing Team.

Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “Yusuf Muzil’s reckless driving at excessive speeds on the night of Thursday 15 June 2023 had tragic consequences and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of George Greaves.

“This case is another demonstration of the truly horrific consequences of motorists failing to drive in a safe and sensible manner and we are determined to ensure those who pose a danger to other road users are identified and brought to justice.

“Thanks to the swift response of officers on the night and work of search teams, we were able to quickly apprehend this defendant so he could be held accountable for his actions.”