A driver who killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another while attempting to flee from the police has been jailed.
Ryan Skelton, 23, from Bagworth, was driving a blue Volkswagen Jetta on 12th September 2024 when a member of the public alerted police to his erratic driving. Officers approached Skelton on Oronsay Road in Beaumont Leys, but he tried to escape, colliding with a metal fence. He then sped off, mounting the kerb and hitting two pedestrians, Anthony Haynes, 66, and his carer, 56-year-old Rachael Newton.
Both victims were hospitalised. Haynes died from his injuries on 23rd September while Newton sustained life-changing injuries.
Skelton pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Leicester Crown Court on 13th December.
He has been jailed today and sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison. He has also been banned from driving for 11 years.
Detective Constable Madeleine Hayes from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected Mr Haynes’ family and Ms Newton. Skelton’s reckless actions, driven by his desire to avoid arrest, cost an innocent man his life and left another with life-altering injuries. I hope today’s outcome provides some sense of justice to the victims and the wider community.”
