A drug-fuelled driver who struck and killed a grandmother before fleeing the scene has been handed a nine-year prison sentence in a case that has left a Manchester community in mourning.
Tragic Collision Claims Beloved Grandmother
Sharon Gerrard, 54, was walking home from a family gathering when her life was brutally cut short by Connor Hulse's out-of-control vehicle. The 24-year-old driver, high on cannabis and behind the wheel of a powerful Audi S3, mounted the pavement and struck Mrs Gerrard with such force that she was thrown into the air.
Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment when Hulse, instead of stopping to help his victim, accelerated away from the scene, leaving the grandmother fatally injured on the roadside.
Police Chase Ends in Dramatic Arrest
Following the collision, Greater Manchester Police initiated a high-speed pursuit through residential streets. Officers eventually cornered Hulse's damaged vehicle and apprehended the fleeing driver.
Forensic testing revealed shocking results:
- Cannabis levels in Hulse's system exceeded legal limits
- The Audi showed significant front-end damage consistent with the impact
- Hulse had previous driving offences on his record
Family's Heartbreaking Victim Impact Statements
Manchester Crown Court heard emotional statements from Mrs Gerrard's devastated family, who described her as "the heart of our family" and "an incredible mother and grandmother."
Her daughter fought back tears as she told the court: "My mother was taken from us in the most cruel and senseless way. The defendant didn't just take her life - he destroyed ours too."
Judge Delivers Stern Sentencing Remarks
Passing sentence, Judge Hilary Manley condemned Hulse's "cowardly" actions and the "devastating consequences" of his decision to drive while impaired by drugs.
"You made the conscious choice to get behind the wheel while under the influence of cannabis," the judge stated. "Then, when you struck and fatally injured Mrs Gerrard, you compounded your wickedness by fleeing like a coward."
Hulse received a nine-year prison sentence and will be banned from driving for ten years following his release.
Community Calls for Tougher Drug Driving Laws
The case has reignited calls for stronger penalties for drug driving offences across the UK. Road safety campaigners argue that current sentencing guidelines fail to reflect the devastating impact of such crimes on families and communities.
Greater Manchester Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling drug driving through increased roadside testing and public awareness campaigns.
