Kelvedon: Dangerous driver jailed after fleeing fatal collision

A man has been sentenced for dangerous driving after a fatal collision in Kelvedon last year thanks to an investigation by our officers.

The Range Rover Liam O’Brien was driving collided with a Peugeot which was turning into the driveway of an address in London Road at around 9.35pm on Sunday 3 September.

The Range Rover flipped onto its side and came to rest in the middle of the road.

Witness evidence described a man being seen climbing out of the car and walking off in the direction of the A12 while talking on a mobile phone, saying “I’ve smashed my car up”.

The driver of the Peugeot was not seriously injured.

Moments later, an Audi A1 driven by 30 year-old Max Mayo, was seen approaching the scene of the collision before colliding with the Range Rover.

Sadly, Max was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after the collision, at 9.40pm, the registered keeper of the Range Rover – O’Brien’s girlfriend Hannah Humphrey – called Essex Police reporting that her car had been stolen.

When officers went to speak to Humphrey the following day, she told them she had arrived home at 9.30pm and the car was already gone.

CCTV footage showed someone coming out of her address at around 9.25pm, getting into the car, and driving off.

During the visit, Humphrey also disclosed details of O’Brien, whose description matched that of the man seen getting out of the car after the collision.

Both O’Brien and Humphrey were arrested, and O’Brien was taken to hospital for injuries to his head and stomach.

ANPR information showed a man predominantly drives the Range Rover, while phone work established O’Brien had called Humphrey minutes after the collision, which prompted her call to the police.

Forensics also established that O’Brien’s blood was found inside the vehicle.

CCTV footage also showed a man matching his description walking down a road near to Humphrey’s home address with something in the back of his shorts, before returning a few moments later with nothing in his shorts.

A specialist search team later found a bundle of clothing hidden inside some building rubble.

This was later found to have DNA matching O’Brien’s on and the man seen on CCTV matched his description.

O’Brien, 32, of Navarre Gardens, Romford admitted charges of dangerous driving, perverting the course of justice, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, failing to report a collision, driving with no insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Humphrey, 37, of Bobbin Close, Coggeshall, admitted a charge of perverting the course of justice.

O’Brien was cleared of further charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

At the same court today (12 September), O’Brien was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Humphrey was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. She was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Reckless and dangerous

Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

“Liam O’Brien drove recklessly and dangerously, before running off immediately afterwards from the scene of a fatal collision.
“Not only did he not stop at the scene of the collision, but he colluded with his girlfriend to try and get away with being held responsible.
“Fortunately we have been able to compile evidence so overwhelming that he has had no option to admit his guilt.”

Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.