Driver Sentenced to Prison for Fatal Car Meet Crash

An individual has received an eight-year prison sentence after causing the death of a 20-year-old football coach. The incident occurred at an unsanctioned car gathering where the driver reached speeds approaching 100mph (161kmh). Mason Hodgson, aged 23 and residing in Morley, Leeds, was operating a black Audi S3 on 10 April 2022 when he struck Sam Harding, a former England schoolboy footballer, as Mr. Harding entered the roadway in Warrington, Cheshire. Proceedings at Liverpool Crown Court revealed that surveillance footage from the vicinity, recorded around 21:30 GMT, indicated Hodgson was traveling at speeds reaching 97mph just prior to the collision. Hodgson, whose address was given as Glen Road, admitted guilt to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving. He also received a driving disqualification for a period of 10 years and four months. Mr. Harding, a resident of Stockport, Greater Manchester, succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Liz, the mother of the 20-year-old victim, stated to the court: “Unauthorised car meets have to stop.” She further added: “The individuals responsible for organising them need to be identified along with all the drivers who take part.” Her statement concluded: “One reckless act has left our family with a life sentence of pain that grows deeper every day.” During the sentencing of Hodgson, Judge Neil Flewitt remarked to him: “You have an entrenched and cavalier attitude to driving at speed.” The judge continued: “You made a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road and you showed complete disregard for the risk of danger to others.” The court was informed that Mr. Harding, who had finished his dissertation for his football management degree just days before his passing and was subsequently awarded a 2:1 posthumously, had expressed enthusiasm about attending his inaugural car meet. Testimony presented in court indicated that Mr. Harding was a skilled footballer and had served as a coach and mentor to numerous children within his community. Paul Becker, representing the prosecution, stated that the car meet, which was promoted on Snapchat, drew hundreds of attendees and was initially convened in St Helens, Merseyside. A subsequent location at Kingsland Grange in Woolston, Warrington, was announced via social media platforms, leading vehicles to relocate to that vicinity. It was revealed in court that Hodgson operated his vehicle “like an idiot” on the motorway en route to the second site, and upon arrival, he performed circuits within the area. Hodgson was proceeding along the “strip” when Mr. Harding entered the roadway. According to court accounts, Hodgson sounded his horn and attempted to swerve but could not prevent the collision. Martyn Walsh, who represented Hodgson, conveyed: “Through me, he wishes to apologise and say sorry for what happened on that night.”