Jail for killer driver who fled crash scene

Christopher Latham was driving at speeds estimated to be between 70 and 90 mph in a residential area of Caterham with a 30-mph limit and was on the wrong side of the road just before losing control and crashing his car into a wall.

A woman who was in the rear of the car died, while the other two passengers were both left with serious injuries.

Latham fled the scene immediately, with witnesses seeing him on his phone, but not calling an ambulance. It’s believed he was calling someone to help him secure his escape from the scene. He was arrested by Greater Manchester Police at a property in Oldham the following day.

Jessica Harris from the Crown Prosecution Service South East said: “Latham fled the scene immediately, without any thought at all for his passengers, one of whom had died in the crash.

“Instead of calling the emergency services to get help for those who were seriously injured or trying to give them assistance himself, all he was concerned about was planning his escape.

“His driving on that day were fatally reckless and Latham showed a complete and deliberate disregard for the safety of those in the car with him.

“His actions left three children without a mother and our thoughts are with everyone who has been left devastated by the events of that night. We hope this sentencing brings some small comfort to them.”