Drug Driver Jailed After Fatal Collision

Following the sentencing of a drug driver responsible for the death of a cherished father and husband, a judge advised the bereaved family “to get on with their lives as best as possible.” Martin Bembridge, aged 54, was returning home from his job when Ross Elliott, then 19 years old, collided with the rear of his vehicle. Elliott, whose manner of driving was characterized as “truly deplorable,” possessed neither a license nor insurance at the time of the collision, which occurred in Sheffield last February. Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, speaking to Mr Bembridge’s wife and son after sentencing Elliott to eight years and three months in prison, stated: “Because your husband was such a decent man and a decent father too, he would want you, I’m sure, to lead your life hereafter as best you possibly can.” The Sheffield Crown Court heard that Mr Bembridge had departed from work on 10 February, but had chosen an alternative route home from his customary path to visit a shop and purchase groceries for his family’s evening meal. Surveillance camera footage depicted Elliott, who had used his father’s Ford Mondeo without authorization and had ingested cocaine, driving at 60mph in an area with a 30mph speed limit and passing other vehicles. Subsequently, he crashed into the back of Mr Bembridge’s car at the intersection of Dyke Vale Road and Silkstone Road in Frecheville, resulting in the vehicle spinning. The court was informed that a van traveling from the opposite direction could not halt in time and also struck Mr Bembridge’s car. Prosecutor Louise Reevell stated that Elliott exited his car to inspect the damage before re-entering the vehicle, but the driver of the van removed his keys from the ignition. Mr Bembridge sustained injuries that proved fatal and was declared deceased at the location. It was revealed in court that cocaine was discovered in the rear of the Ford Mondeo, and analyses indicated Elliott exceeded the legal drug driving limit by three times. Elliott, currently 21 years old and residing at Alport Avenue, Frecheville, Sheffield, had earlier pleaded guilty to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that Elliott was “filled with genuine remorse” and had no prior criminal record. During the sentencing, the judge remarked: “Your driving was truly deplorable.” He continued: “You executed an overtaking manoeuvre in an exceptionally dangerous manner and location and made a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road.” The judge further added: “This is a disaster for you. It is a disaster for Mr Bembridge’s family. You must be punished.” Subsequently, the judge informed Mr Bembridge’s family that the personal statement provided by his wife, detailing the devastation to their lives, was “very moving.” He commented: “Your late husband Mrs Bembridge sounded from what I have read, a thoroughly decent man.” He added: “You were married for 33 years and you intended to have, as you said in your statement, another 33 years together.” He further stated: “I can’t ever ask you to get over this, that would be absurd.” “What I can ask, and I do urge, is that you come to terms with it. My goodness it will take time.” “But you will I hope in time, come to terms with it and lead your life as your husband would have wished with the help of your son and family.” And to the son, he advised: “And you as your father’s son, emulate him, he was a decent man.”