Two Drivers Go to Prison for Killing People

May 11, 2026, 20:51
AustraliaOther

Introduction

Courts in Australia and the USA sent two men to prison. Both men killed people with their cars.

Main Body

In Australia, David Berry stole a truck. He drank alcohol and took drugs. He drove very fast and hit a man on a motorcycle. The man died. David Berry said he was guilty. The judge sent him to prison for more than ten years. In the USA, James Shirah killed Terry Taylor Jr. This happened after a wedding. James Shirah hit the man with his car. He did not stay to help at first. He said he did not fight the charges. The judge sent him to prison for 30 years. James Shirah's wife may also go to prison. Her court date is in May.

Conclusion

Both men are now in prison. They must stay there for many years.

Learning

πŸ•’ The "Past Action" Pattern

Look at these words from the story:

  • Stole (from steal)
  • Drank (from drink)
  • Drove (from drive)
  • Hit (from hit)
  • Died (from die)

The Secret: When we talk about things that are finished, we change the action word.

Two ways it happens:

  1. The Easy Way: Just add -ed (Die β†’ Died).
  2. The Surprise Way: The word changes completely (Drink β†’ Drank).

Quick Guide for A2 Learners:

  • Now: I drive β†’\rightarrow Past: I drove
  • Now: I steal β†’\rightarrow Past: I stole
  • Now: I drink β†’\rightarrow Past: I drank

Tip: In this story, every sentence about the crime uses these 'Past' words because the events are already over.

Vocabulary Learning

prison
A place where people are kept as punishment.
Example:The man was sent to prison for ten years.
court
A place where judges decide legal matters.
Example:The court heard the case and made a decision.
judge
A person who decides in a court.
Example:The judge gave the defendant a sentence.
car
A vehicle that people drive.
Example:He used his car to travel to work.
truck
A large vehicle used for carrying goods.
Example:The truck was parked outside the warehouse.
alcohol
A drink that can make people feel drunk.
Example:She avoided alcohol while driving.
fast
Moving quickly.
Example:He drove very fast on the highway.
hit
To strike with force.
Example:The car hit the motorcycle and caused damage.
help
To assist or support.
Example:After the accident, he did not help the injured man.
wedding
A ceremony where two people marry.
Example:The incident happened after a wedding celebration.
date
A specific day in a calendar.
Example:Her court date is scheduled for May.
stay
To remain in a place.
Example:They must stay in prison for many years.
years
A unit of time, 365 days.
Example:He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
many
A large number of.
Example:They will spend many years behind bars.
first
Coming before others.
Example:He did not stay to help at first.
also
In addition, too.
Example:James Shirah's wife may also go to prison.
now
At the present time.
Example:Both men are now in prison.
killed
To cause death.
Example:He killed the man with his car.
people
Humans in general.
Example:The courts sent two men to prison for killing people.
men
Adult male humans.
Example:Both men were sent to prison.
guilty
Responsible for a wrongdoing.
Example:David Berry said he was guilty.
sent
To cause someone to go to a place.
Example:The judge sent him to prison.
died
To stop living.
Example:The man died after the collision.
drank
To consume alcohol.
Example:He drank alcohol before driving.