Man sentenced to 17 years in prison for death by dangerous driving after a fatal road collision in Gorton

On Monday 5 December 2022 at around 11:30pm, GMP officers were called to a serious collision on Mount Road in Gorton, Manchester.

It was established that a silver Vauxhall Crossland was being driven at speeds of up to 60 mph in a 30-mph limit down Mount Road in Gorton when the driver collided into the driver’s side of a black Vauxhall insignia.

The Vauxhall insignia, containing two occupants was attempting to perform a turn in the road when their car was suddenly struck by the reckless driver.

Emergency services attended the scene, and all three people involved in the collision were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.

The passenger of the Vauxhall Insignia - a 25-year-old man - suffered serious injuries as a result of the incident.

Sadly, he passed away on Thursday 8 December 2022 despite the best attempts of emergency services personnel. He was later confirmed to be 25-year-old Louis Dube whom his family provided a moving tribute mourning his loss.

The driver of the Vauxhall Insignia - a 30-year-old woman, who was later confirmed to be Louis’s friend - also sustained serious injuries which she continues to recover from.

The driver of the Vauxhall Crossland - a 35-year-old man - sustained minor injuries and after receiving medical treatment was remanded into custody. He was arrested at the scene immediately following the incident and was then subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Ryan McElroy (09/11/1987) of Apfel Lane in Chadderton, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates on Thursday 8 December and was charged with two counts of Causing Serious Injury Dangerous Driving and Driving Whilst Disqualified.

McElroy was further charged with one count of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving at Manchester Crown Square Crown Court on Thursday 12 January 2023.

Today (Thursday 9 February 2023), Ryan McElroy was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to Death by Dangerous Driving.

McElroy was also issued a further disqualification from driving for 12 and a half years.

Chief Inspector Ronald Neilson of GMP Specialist Operations team said: "My thoughts are of course with Louis’s family and loved ones at the difficult and saddening time. I truly hope that the sentencing of Ryan McElroy – a dangerous and reckless individual – brings your family and loved ones some form of closure.

"Ryan McElroy’s actions that evening was appalling and sickening. He knowingly and willingly chose to drive his car that evening whilst intoxicated on drugs and alcohol.  He showed absolutely no regard for the law or other road users that evening. Sadly, Louis and his friend were caught in the crossfire of his shameful actions and now we have lost another life to reckless driving.

"I would urge the public, to please think before you drive. Think not only of yourself, but your family, your friends, your loved ones and most importantly think about other people who you could hurt, who’s lives you could change if you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"Do not be complacent, do not drive if you have taken anything or drank alcohol. Leave plenty of time before you drive, because it might just cost you your life in prison or your life completely."

If you want to report any crime or information, please call 101 or report information on our website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.