Distracted driver jailed for causing the death of a much-loved man
A 28-year-old driver who admitted causing the death of a ‘much-loved’ man because he was too busy messing about with his vehicle’s on-board computer system has been jailed.
Last updated 18th Jan 2024
Charles Ryan was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on January 15 for four years and three months in prison, after pleading guilty to causing the death of 40-year-old Craig Melville following a road traffic collision on the A14 in October 2022.
Mr Ryan was also disqualified from driving for two years which will come into force once he’s released from prison.
At about 4pm on October 10, 2022, Ryan was travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A14, when he became distracted by the vehicle’s onboard computer system.
As traffic ahead started to slow Ryan was still in cruise control, travelling at about 70mph in the right-hand overtaking lane.
It was too late by the time Ryan looked up and his van collided with the rear of Mr Melville’s vehicle at speed, causing the car to spin out of control before coming to rest in the outside lane.
Mr Melville – a much-loved husband and father – from Weldon, near Corby, was airlifted to the University Hospital Coventry.
Sadly he died three days later from the serious head injuries sustained in the collision.
Following an investigation by Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Ryan was charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
On November 23, Ryan pleaded guilty to causing Mr Melville’s death and the case was adjourned for sentencing.
Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Inspector Ryan Catling of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Ryan admitted he was distracted with the thought of getting home on the fuel he had left in his vehicle.
"As a result of his lapse of concentration about what was happening on the road ahead, he robbed Craig Melville of the same opportunity of getting home safely."
“The devastation Charles Ryan’s actions have caused will live beyond the sentence which has been imposed by the courts. "
“Mr Melville was a much-loved husband and father with a wide circle of family and friends, who all thought the absolute world of him.
"His death has left a family completely and forever heartbroken and no sentence will ever make up for their loss."
“Reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads remains the priority for Northamptonshire Police and our partners at the Northamptonshire Safer Roads Alliance, and I’m pleased the courts have dealt with this driver robustly.”