Driver jailed for 11 years after causing fatal collision in Cranleigh
James Cooper sentenced for dangerous driving that led to a woman's death
A driver has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving after a collision in Cranleigh that resulted in the death of a passenger in her 80s.
James Cooper, 33, from Sparsholt, Winchester, was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 30th January.
Cooper pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while unlicensed and uninsured, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and was disqualified from driving for 10 years.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30pm on Saturday, 11th October 2025 on Elmbridge Road, Cranleigh, involving three vehicles: a Volkswagen Golf, a Mazda 2, and a Volvo XC60.
Witnesses reported Cooper overtaking at high speed in his Volkswagen, which was later calculated to be traveling over 60mph in a 30mph zone.
As Cooper approached a red light over a single-lane bridge, witnesses noted he showed no signs of braking, leading to the Volkswagen being "airborne" before it crashed head-on with the Mazda.
Despite paramedics' efforts, a woman in her 80s was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mazda, a man in his 80s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The Volkswagen continued to collide with the Volvo before stopping off the road, with Cooper being thrown from the car due to his lack of seatbelt, landing on a grass verge.
After initially denying he was driving the Volkswagen, Cooper later admitted to being behind the wheel. He refused to provide a blood sample at the hospital to determine whether he had consumed drugs or alcohol and answered further questions with "no comment".
The victim's family expressed their grief, saying, "nothing will make up for such a senseless and totally avoidable loss of such a cherished family member."
Detective Sergeant Dan Smith from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:
"My thoughts remain with the victim's family, who have suffered at the hands of a reckless driver.
"Nothing will bring their beloved family member back, but I hope this sentence provides a sense of justice for them, and all others involved.
"Dangerous or careless driving is one of the 'fatal five' factors which are considered the main causes of serious injury or fatal collisions on our roads.
"This should be an important reminder to all drivers that every decision behind the wheel can carry serious consequences."
The case highlights the impact of dangerous driving and the importance of adhering to road safety regulations to prevent tragedies like this from occurring.