Hit-and-run Driver Narrowly Avoids Jail

A driver has narrowly avoided jail after fleeing the scene of a collision which left a man dead. 

The accident occurred in the early hours of May 28 last year, on the A619 Rother Way in Chesterfield. Rachel Reeve collided with Gavin Treweek, before going through a red light and driving down country lanes 'in shock and panic' for 14 miles. 

Reeve confided what had happened to her father who, the following day, talked her into going to a police station to confess. 

At Derby Crown Court, the 42-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to stop following an accident and dangerous driving, but denied causing death by careless driving. 

Judge Nirmal Shant QC sentenced Reeve to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He said: 

"I find it as a fact that you did know you had hit a human being and failing to stop following the collision was morally reprehensible. 

"You drove for 14 miles down A-roads and country lanes with a damaged windscreen. You went through a red light in your shock and panic and this was a prolonged piece of driving. 

"And although driving away was morally reprehensible, I make it perfectly clear that you were acquitted by the jury of causing death by careless driving and I find it as a fact that you are not responsible for causing Mr Treweek's death." 

If you have been accused of an offence on the roads, call our team for expert, confidential legal advice. Speak to us in confidence on 01246 520 930. 

The Johnson Partnership 

Driving Solicitors