A businessman was captured on CCTV downing 11 whiskies and Jagerbombs in a pub before causing a fatal crash that killed a father-of-three. Arron Dunlop, 30, from Eaglescliffe, Teesside, fled the scene after hitting Paul Greenfield's moped on the A1027 in Norton on June 8.
Dunlop was later arrested at Newcastle Airport after booking a flight to Alicante, Spain. He refused to provide a breath sample, claiming he had 'had four pints at the airport'. On Monday, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Prosecutor Shaun Dodds told the court that Dunlop had been drinking at the George and Dragon pub in Norton between 6.30pm and 7.30pm, consuming three double Southern Comforts and lemonade along with three Jagerbombs. He then left, collided with a parked vehicle, and returned to the pub for more Southern Comfort and two additional Jagerbombs.
Dunlop left the pub at 9.21pm and drove his Audi A5 at excessive speed south on the A1027. Witnesses described him as 'flying past' at an extremely high speed. He crashed into the back of Mr Greenfield's Honda 125 moped, carrying the victim on the bonnet before he came to rest on a grass verge. Dunlop made no attempt to call emergency services or help the badly injured man.
Senior Investigating Officer Temporary Detective Superintendent Chris Motson said: 'Paul was travelling home to his family after his shift at work and unfortunately he never arrived. Whilst nothing will ever bring back Paul, I hope that today's outcome will bring his family some form of comfort.' He added that Dunlop had previously been convicted of traffic offences and highlighted the dangers of drink-driving and excessive speed.
