28-year-old man sentenced to 11 years 3 months in jail for causing death by dangerous driving

Today (26 May 2023), Joshua Cleworth (20 September 1994) was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to 11 years and 3 months following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

It comes after Cleworth pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. 

The sentencing relates to an incident on 30 August 2022, when Cleworth failed to stop for officers on Wigan Road in Bolton. Whilst attempting to make off from police, the car Cleworth was driving collided with two parked and unattended vehicles and a street lamp.

A 35-year-old male passenger in the car being driven by Cleworth was injured in the collision and sadly passed passed away a short time later. Another 39 year old female passenger was also seriously injured although thankfully these injuries were not life-threatening.

An investigation was immediately launched by GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit and it came to light that Cleworth had also taken this vehicle without the owners consent.

Sergeant Andrew Page of GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "This investigation shows very clearly the tragic consequences that dangerous driving can have for others. The thoughts of the investigation team remain with the victim's family who have had to bear this loss.

"I would like to assure the public that GMP will investigate every incident of dangerous driving to ensure our roads are safe and I would urge anyone with knowledge of any such incident to get in touch."

You can do so by calling 101 or via the LiveChat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk

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