A Derbyshire driver who killed a 75-year-old woman in a head-on collision while driving more than double the speed limit has been jailed for 10 and a half years.
Scott Bradley, 45, of Draycott, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving after his Vauxhall Astra mounted a pavement and crossed onto the wrong side of the road in Nottingham Road, Borrowash, on April 10 2024.
Kathleen O'Neil, who was in the Honda Jazz that was struck, suffered serious injuries and died nearly two weeks later on April 23.
Crash details and investigation
Derbyshire Police said: "The force of the impact was so severe that it lifted the back of the Honda off the ground, and pushed it 23 metres back from the point of impact." Both vehicles then collided with another car.
Investigations found the Astra was travelling at around 69mph at the time of the impact, in a 30mph zone. Examinations of Bradley's car after the collision showed the speedometer had stopped at 73mph.
A passenger in Bradley's car told officers she was screaming and asking him to slow down because he was driving too fast. She also said another friend had taken the keys from Bradley because he did not believe he was fit to drive, but Bradley later got the keys back and drove again.
Sentencing and police statement
As well as the jail term, Bradley was banned from driving for a total of 14 years and three months and must take an extended re-test before he can drive again.
Detective Constable Rich Howiss, who led the investigation, said: "It is clear from the CCTV and the witness accounts that Bradley was not fit to drive on this day and that he shouldn't have been behind the wheel. One friend had already taken his keys off him, and another begged him to slow down when he did drive. But he carried on regardless, speeding and giving no consideration to other road users – or even his passenger.
"He mounted pavements, crashed into street furniture and then eventually crashed straight into Kathleen's car as she approached him from the opposite direction. She had no opportunity to react, or take evasive action as Bradley's car hit her at speed and pushed her a considerable distance down the road.
"For Kathleen's family what followed was an agonising two weeks at the hospital, praying she would survive. Sadly though, her injuries were too significant and she never recovered. Her death has devastated her loved ones, who now grieve for her every day.
"Bradley did manage to survive his injuries but in police interview refused to answer any questions or give his own account. I am glad therefore that he has finally accepted responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty.
"He is now rightly serving a prison sentence and I hope this sentence brings some small form of comfort for Kathleen's family. I'd also like to hope that this shows the very real consequences of dangerous driving, and driving while under the influence.
"The risks are real – and you could be responsible for taking someone's life. Please stick to the rules of the road and think about others as well as yourself."
