Shaun Read, 33, was driving more than 20mph over the speed limit when he struck and killed Charlotte Rigby, 36, as she crossed the A580 East Lancashire Road in Lowton, Wigan, in March 2024. Despite a jury finding him guilty of death by careless driving, Read walked free from Manchester's Minshull Street Court on July 15, receiving a 10-month suspended sentence.
Fatal Collision on A580
Shortly after midnight, Ms Rigby left her home and crossed the eastbound carriageway without incident. She then attempted to cross the westbound carriageway at a toucan pedestrian crossing. The signal for pedestrians was red, and the traffic light was green for vehicles. A HGV driver had slowed to allow her to cross, but Read, driving a Vauxhall Insignia, approached at 72mph in a designated 50mph zone.
Prosecutor Robert Smith told the court that Read's dashcam footage showed he passed three signs displaying the 50mph limit and did not slow down as he approached the junction. Police evidence indicated that if Read had been travelling at the speed limit, he would not have hit Ms Rigby. The collision caused horrific injuries that killed her instantly.
Victim Impact Statements
In a packed public gallery, Ms Rigby's daughter Olivia read an emotional statement. She said: "I both felt cold and numb. It's a feeling I can't put into words. The impact of watching the sun rise that day, it made me feel sick. Knowing the whole world was going to carry on without mum being here." She added: "To my mum - I really hope you are happy wherever you are in the stars. I really hope I am doing you proud."
Ms Rigby's father, John Quormby, said: "The loss of her has been immeasurable. This has been made much, much worse by the lack of responsibility accepted by Read. To every parent in this room - there but for the grace of God - it can happen to you."
Defence and Sentencing
Read's defence barrister, Richard Dawson, offered condolences and noted that Read, a HGV driver for Dnata at Manchester Airport, had a clean driving record and no criminal convictions. He described Read's "genuine shock and genuine remorse."
Judge Mark Savill acknowledged the devastating loss but said he was "compelled" to suspend the sentence due to new sentencing guidelines introduced in March 2024. He handed Read 10 months suspended for 18 months, 280 hours of unpaid work, and an 18-month driving ban. The judge stated: "I do not consider her actions significantly contributed to the collision or her death. The significant factors here were your excessive speed."
Family Outrage
In a statement after the hearing, Ms Rigby's family said: "We are devastated by today's decision to suspend his sentence which means he can walk free from court, and we are left with no justice whatsoever. It is an absolute insult to our daughter's memory. Our system is broken. It serves the criminal and not the victim."
