Man sentenced to six years nine months in jail after fatal road traffic collision in Bolton

On Wednesday 10 January 2024, Sam Hughes (18/01/1991) of Daffodil Road, Bolton was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court following the fatal road traffic collision that claimed the life of a 54-year-old man.

On Thursday 5 May 2022, at around 5am, GMP officers were called to a serious collision between a vehicle and a cyclist on the junction of Chorley New Road and Beaumont Road in Horwich, Bolton.

Emergency services attended the scene, and despite the best efforts of medical professionals, members of the public and attending officers, the man sadly died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

The offending vehicle, a Grey Volkswagen Polo, initially fled the scene but was later located by the police. A 31-year-old man, identified as Sam Hughes, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

During the investigation, it was revealed in the early hours of Thursday 5 May 2022, Hughes had been visiting friends near the collision site. CCTV footage captured him purchasing a bottle of vodka at a nearby petrol station, which he consumed at his friend's house in Deane before leaving around 4:30am in his VW Polo.

At the same time, the victim, cycling south on Victoria Road wearing a high visibility vest, approached the junction of Chorley New Road and Beaumont Road. Hughes, driving his vehicle down Beaumont Road turned right onto Chorley New Road, which resulted in him colliding with the cyclist at the junction.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the VW Polo striking the victim before then driving away without stopping to assist.

Two eyewitnesses promptly called emergency services and provided medical aid to the victim. The force of the impact caused the front registration plate to break off and become embedded in the bicycle frame, displaying the registration number.

A search for the offending vehicle led the police to a street in Farnworth, close to Hughes's home address where the offending vehicle was located.

Officers attended Hughes home address where he attempted to deceive officers by providing false names and pretending to be someone else. Officers noted signs of intoxication, including dilated pupils and injuries to his right hand. Hughes was then arrested at his home address and taken into custody.

Subsequent blood tests conducted while in custody revealed that he had exceeded the legal limits for various substances, including alcohol, cannabinoids, MDMA, and cocaine.

Hughes chose to answer no comment to all questions during his interview at Bolton Police Station, showing no remorse for his actions that fateful morning.

Hughes pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to four counts of Causing death by careless driving whilst over the prescribed limit.

Today, Wednesday 10 January 2024, Hughes has been sentenced to six years nine months in prison for those offences.

Sergeant Andrew Page of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Of course our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this difficult and saddening time. While we understand that no sentence can fully ease their pain or bring their loved one back, we hope that today's sentence provides some form of comfort.

"Hughes’ 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 day. Sadly, an innocent member of the community was caught in the crossfire of his actions and now we have lost a 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."

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