Suspended jail term for crash driver who fled scene

A dangerous driver who left a man with life-changing injuries after fleeing the scene of a crash has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Bill Connors, 20, had been driving a black BMW 118D in Booth Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire, when he crashed into a white Volkswagen Transporter at 18:30 BST on 4 September, 2023.

He fled the scene, despite the 58-year-old van driver suffering serious injuries. Police found him a few days later hiding under a bed in a caravan.

Connors, of Gables Close, Solihull, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, having pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop. He was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Connors, who was uninjured in the crash, was also disqualified from driving for the same period and must undertake an extended test in order to drive again.

Cheshire Police said rather than stop and call for help to assist the other driver after the crash, Connors left the area.

Members of the public helped the victim, who was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Police subsequently launched a manhunt for Connors, and he was arrested on 13 September 2023. He was found hiding in a caravan in Middlewich.

Following his sentencing, Det Sgt Simon Degg said: "As a result of [Connors'] selfish actions, the victim has suffered tremendously, both psychologically and physically, and will never fully recover from his injuries."

He added of Connors: "He deliberately chose to flee the scene and leave the victim behind, not even having the decency to call for help. Instead, he was too busy thinking about himself."

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