FIVE YEARS JAIL FOR WILMSLOW DRIVER

A 38-year-old man from Wilmslow has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of death by dangerous driving.

David Larsen, from Lindfield Estate North was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on 6 November 2013.

On 20 September 2012, Larson had been travelling at speed along the A523 London Road, Adlington towards Macclesfield in his black Mitsubishi L200 pick-up with two passengers, laden with builders waste and tools.

Witnesses said Larsen appeared to lose control and veered acrossthe road into the oncoming lane of traffic where he collided head on with 61-year-old Sue Edwards′ black Honda Jazz.

Investigating officer, PC Anthony Hayhurst, said: “Mrs Edwards tragically died at the scene of the collision from multiple injuries.

“After the initial collision with Mrs Edwards car, Larsen′s vehicle rolled several times and continued to collide with a second vehicle, a white Citroen DS3 which was following behind her. All vehicles were extensively damaged.

“Fire, Ambulance and police all attended the scene and the road was closed for several hours to allow collision investigation and reconstruction work to take place. Mr Larsen was arrested soon after the collision and charged with the offence of causing the death of Mrs Edwards by dangerous driving.

“The jury of eight man and four women took just 30 minutes to return a unanimous guilty verdict.”

Larsen was sentenced to five years imprisonment; he was also banned from driving for five years and ordered to take an extended retest.

PC Hayhurst was in court for the proceedings. He said: “This was a tragic but entirely preventable collision caused by one man′s poor driving. The consequences of his driving have brought devastation and unimaginable grief to the family of Mrs Edwards, the case has been complex and emotionally draining for the family of Mrs Edwards and the witnesses alike. Throughout this case Mr Larson has shown little remorse for his actions. As he was led from the dock to the cells of the court he was smiling and gave the thumbs up to his supporters in the public gallery.”

The family of Mrs Edwards have given the following tribute: “Sue′s death has left a huge hole in our lives which can never be filled. She was so loved, so well respected and at the heart of our family.

“Every day we miss her laughter, her kind words, her wit and wisdom. She touched so many lives in such a positive way; as a cherished family member, a treasured friend to many and through her long career in teaching. To have her life cut short in this utterly reprehensible way has been incredibly hard for us to bear.

“The family have asked to be given time to grieve in private at this difficult time.”