Driver who killed man in head-on crash in Northwich jailed
Joshua Eldred has been given a 12-year sentence
A dangerous driver who killed an innocent man during a collision in Northwich has been jailed.
Joshua Eldred appeared at Chester Crown Court today, Friday 25 October, where he was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
The 31-year-old of no fixed abode in Northwich, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
During the hearing the court was told that on Thursday 18 July, Eldred was driving a blue Ford Focus along the A533 Runcorn Road, Little Leigh.
He was seen by witnesses to be driving erratically – stalling at traffic lights, driving on the wrong side of the road, and failing to maintain a steady speed.
As he approached the section of the A533 between the junction of Shutley Lane and Brakeley Lane, Eldred, who was on the wrong side of the road, ploughed into the front of a white Suzuki Celeria, driven by Wendy Wall.
Wendy, 48, was travelling with her partner, Timothy Burgess, when the collision occurred.
She was seriously injured as a result of the collision.
Timothy, also 48, sustained fatal injuries, and sadly passed away at the scene.
Eldred was subsequently charged with causing serious injury and death by dangerous driving.
Inspector Steve Griffiths, of the Cheshire Police Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision occurred due to the extremely poor and dangerous driving of Joshua Eldred over a prolonged period of time. His driving can only be described as atrocious and pointless.
“Driving is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with great responsibility to act within the rules laid down when you pass your test.
“Eldred’s actions have devastated the lives of all those involved, and the tragic death of Timothy Burgess shows the catastrophic consequences that will happen when these rules are ignored.
“I hope today’s sentencing provides some closure to the family and friends of Timothy, who have suffered the most severe and horrific loss.”
In addition to his prison sentence, Eldred was also banned from driving for 10 years. Once he has completed his driving ban, he will also be required to undertake an extended driving test.