A driver who got behind the wheel after a seven-hour drinking session, killing one passenger in his vehicle, and seriously injuring another, has been jailed.
Daniel Crawshaw, 28, of Bourne Walk, Staincross, Barnsley, was sentenced to 8 and a half years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court today (Monday, 19 December) after previously pleading guilty to offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He will also be disqualified from driving for 2 years on his release.
Crawshaw boasted to witnesses “five and drive”, showing them his car keys, during the night out in Holmfirth and Huddersfield. He actually is believed to have consumed 10 alcoholic drinks before attempting to drive home with Keegan Egdell, 20, and Thomas Boothroyd, now 28, as passengers in his BMW coupe vehicle.
At around 3.15am on Saturday, 7 March, 2020, police received a report that a car had left the road and collided with a stone wall, on the B6108 Huddersfield Road at South Crosland, near Meltham. Keegan suffered fatal injuries in the collision and Thomas sustained serious injuries from which he is still suffering.
A witness described Crawshaw getting out of the vehicle and approaching them but making no mention of the critically injured passengers in his car. When police officers arrived at the scene, Crawshaw was talking to a family member on his mobile telephone and was clearly heavily intoxicated.
Detective Constable Clare Barran, from the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said:
“This tragic incident was completely avoidable. Crawshaw chose to drink and drive on that night, well aware that he would have been over the limit. His arrogance and initial failure to accept his wrongdoing has extended the suffering and pain that Keegan’s family have had to endure.”
The sentencing comes as West Yorkshire Police has been highlighting the potential consequences of driving after drinking or taking drugs as part of the annual festive #WYPTheCost awareness and enforcement campaign.
Sergeant Mick Kilburn, also from the Major Collision Enquiry Team, added:
“No sentence can ever reflect the tragic loss of life in this case. It serves as a timely reminder, certainly with the festive season upon us, that alcohol and driving simply do not mix. The message from West Yorkshire Police is clear. Do not drink and drive.”
