A drunk driver who killed a young motorcyclist on the M62 and then pretended to be gravely injured to avoid prosecution has been jailed after police uncovered footage of him dancing at a rave and enjoying outdoor activities.
The Fatal High-Speed Collision
Steven Naylor, 41, was driving his Audi at speeds reaching 120mph on the M62 near Liverpool in the early hours of 25 April 2021. He ploughed into the back of a motorcycle ridden by 23-year-old Owen Baugh from Manchester. The impact knocked Mr Baugh into the carriageway, where he was tragically struck and killed by another vehicle.
Naylor's car veered off the road, smashing through a wooden fence. A section of the fencing pierced the windscreen and impaled him in the shoulder, leaving him with serious injuries. Police and paramedics at the scene reported a strong smell of alcohol. Naylor was hospitalised for several weeks before being discharged on 10 June 2021.
A Web of Lies Unravels
Upon his release, Naylor and his wife, Lisa Naylor, began a deliberate campaign to deceive the authorities. They vastly exaggerated the extent of his injuries, claiming he could barely walk and that his short-term memory had deteriorated. They also contested the validity of a blood sample taken while he was unconscious after the crash.
This led to Naylor being cleared of failing to provide a specimen in July 2023, based on a psychiatrist's report. However, detectives from Merseyside Police soon uncovered a trove of evidence exposing the couple's lies.
Caught on Camera: Rugby, Raves and Kayaking
Investigators found pictures and videos showing Naylor living a fully active life while claiming to be incapacitated. The evidence included:
- Footage of him playing rugby in April 2023.
- Photos of him kayaking and on boat trips.
- Images of him shopping independently at Aldi and Morrisons.
- Pictures from his brother's wedding in August 2023, where he gave a speech and was seen helping someone climb a tree.
- Evidence that the couple planned to attend an 80s disco night.
This directly contradicted his claims of being unable to walk properly and having severe cognitive issues.
Justice Served at Liverpool Crown Court
At Liverpool Crown Court, Steven Naylor admitted to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Lisa Naylor was convicted of perverting the course of justice and received a sentence of four and a half years.
In a heartfelt statement, Owen Baugh's family described how their lives had come to a "total, devastating stop." They thanked the emergency services and Merseyside Police, specifically mentioning Sgt Andy Roper, for their determined efforts to bring the "evil individual" to justice, noting Naylor had shown no remorse.
