Former West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes has been sentenced to six years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. The 28-year-old crashed his Mercedes into an oncoming car after a drinking session, killing father-of-four Douglas Graham and leaving another man in a wheelchair.
Hughes, who had been drinking Jack Daniel's whiskey at two pubs near his home in Meriden, West Midlands, fled the scene after the collision on 23 November. He surrendered to police 34 hours later. The court heard he had a previous drink-driving ban when he was 18.
Judge Christopher Hodson said Hughes fled because he knew he would fail a breath test. 'I realise your football career is at an end, but remember that Douglas Graham's life is at an end,' the judge stated. 'In running away you showed a callous disregard for others.'
The crash occurred as Hughes drove home with four friends after appearing as a substitute in a televised match. He lost control on a bend and collided with a Renault driven by Albert Frisby, who suffered severe knee injuries and now uses a wheelchair. Mr Graham, a passenger in the Renault, died instantly.
Hughes claimed he had only consumed two Jack Daniel's and Cokes, but bar staff testified he had been served double measures. The footballer's refusal to explain his whereabouts after the crash led the judge to tell the jury they could draw an 'adverse inference'.
West Bromwich Albion terminated Hughes's contract, which had two years remaining. Mr Graham's son, also Douglas, said: 'The death of a husband, father, grandfather and brother... has caused a huge amount of grief and stress. We can only hope that Mr Hughes will acknowledge what he has done.'
