Driver receives suspended sentence in death of Manchester Arena hero

Jacqueline Higson, who admitted responsibility for the death of a motorcyclist recognized as a hero following the Manchester Arena bombing, has not been imprisoned. Ms. Higson had previously entered a guilty plea to causing the death of Darron Coster, aged 54, through careless driving near Skipton, North Yorkshire, on July 14, 2021. The 65-year-old Higson received a 12-month sentence, which was suspended for a period of two years, at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday. Judge Jonathan Rose stated that it was “not possible to pass a sentence which will in any way prove adequate nor capable of compensating for the loss of life of Darron Coster”. Mr. Coster, a resident of Accrington, Lancashire, was a veteran of the Royal Military Police. He utilized his specialized training to assist casualties during the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. During Higson’s sentencing, a victim impact statement from his wife, Alison, was presented to the court. She explained that her husband had been test driving “a bike he had dreamed of” when the collision with Higson occurred on Jack Lane, situated between the villages of Rathmell and Wigglesworth. The court was informed that Higson, who was traveling to lunch with her brother and aunt, had moved into the wrong lane on the winding road to pass a cyclist, without having a clear view of oncoming traffic. Judge Rose noted that Mr. Coster was similarly unable to perceive what was approaching from the opposite direction. “The outcome was inevitable and certainly tragic,” he stated. Mrs. Coster, present in court for the sentencing, honored her partner and husband of 27 years. “I loved Darren with my whole heart. He was my soul mate, my forever, my world. I miss him more than I can put into words. I will never be the same again.” The couple’s son, Charlie, was 24 years old at the time of his father’s death and now has a one-year-old son named Henry. Mrs. Coster remarked that her husband, a motorcycle enthusiast and member of display teams, “should be here now, sitting Henry on his bikes and teaching him all there is to know”. Mr. Coster’s passion for motorcycles was shared with his brother-in-law, Ian, who characterized him as his “best friend” and someone who was “good at everything he did.” Ian added, “I want so desperately to pick up the phone to him. The lessons in life Darron gave me were just everything to me.” Mr. Coster’s sister, Debra, commented that her brother “chose to live his life with fun, love and spirit”. An inquiry into the Manchester atrocity recognized Mr. Coster as a “hero”. The incident involved a suicide bomber detonating an explosive device at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in 22 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Having served in Northern Ireland, Mr. Coster had acquired expertise in treating blast injuries, which enabled him to apply tourniquets to victims. Furthermore, he was responsible for closing the doors to the scene, shielding onlookers from further trauma. Following his departure from the Army, Mr. Coster pursued careers in training and development for a road haulage company and as a mechanic in professional motorsport. In mitigation, John Dye stated that Higson felt “extremely remorseful” for “a moment of misjudgement.” He added, “It’s on her conscience on a daily basis. She is absolutely devastated.” The court heard that she had possessed a full, clean driving licence for 43 years and had been employed as a carer for 37 years, a profession she continued part-time. Additionally, she had caregiving duties for her 91-year-old mother and her 67-year-old brother, who has learning difficulties. Judge Rose commented that even a brief period of incarceration would have a “marked and substantial impact” on both individuals. When delivering the sentence, he also referenced “many references” that attested to Higson’s “exemplary” character, alongside the “quite obvious” potential for rehabilitation. Judge Rose addressed her, stating: “The damage you have caused is irreparable. You should have exercised patience and waited to overtake.” Higson, residing at Robinson Street, Chatburn, Lancashire, also received a sentence of 180 hours of unpaid work, 20 rehabilitation requirement days, and a two-year driving ban. She is also required to pay a victim surcharge and was informed that she would face a 12-month jail term if she committed any further offense within the next two years. Judge Rose clarified that her punishment was “in no way” meant as a “reflection of the life of Darron Coster,” but instead was based on the sentencing guidelines at his disposal. Following the sentencing, Mr. Coster’s brother-in-law commented that the penalty given to Higson was “what we expected.” His wife, Debra, wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the message: “Dangerous driving kills. Do you really need to get somewhere at the cost of someone’s life?” She implored drivers to “just think twice” before overtaking. Mrs. Coster further stated: “He always said that if anything ever happened to bikers 99% of the time if they are injured it’s the fault of the car driver. [As a biker] you are more aware of what’s going on because you are not inside a steel box. He was aware of what was going on around him but obviously he wouldn’t have expected her to pull out.”