Driver jailed for fatal high-speed crash after fleeing scene

A driver has received a 15-year prison sentence for causing a high-speed collision that resulted in one woman’s death and serious injuries to another. Christopher Latham struck a lamppost and a brick wall in Caterham, Surrey, around 03:00 BST on 9 June. This occurred after he reached speeds of 70mph in an area designated as a 30mph zone. One of the three passengers, a woman in her 30s, died at the crash site. A second woman sustained serious injuries, including multiple fractures. Latham, 37, residing at Princes Gate, south-west London, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday. He had previously admitted to charges of causing death and serious injury through dangerous driving. Law enforcement officials stated they were notified of the collision via automated calls; one originated from Latham’s vehicle’s emergency system, and the other from his mobile phone. A Surrey Police spokesperson reported that during the phone call, Latham was heard offering an individual money in exchange for assistance in escaping. Investigators indicated that Latham ultimately fled the scene of the fatal crash but was subsequently apprehended in Manchester. Following the sentencing, Det Sgt Ben Grilli commented: “This is a tragic case of a completely avoidable death on our roads which has left a family without their loved one.” He added: “If you get behind the wheel of a car and drive dangerously, the consequences can be catastrophic.”