Individual Extradited from US Jailed for Causing Collision

An individual who departed for the United States following a collision that rendered a nurse unable to walk has been incarcerated. Isac Calderon, aged 23, was brought back to the UK last month through extradition and confessed to colliding with Elizabeth Donowho’s vehicle close to Shucknall, Herefordshire, in July 2023. Ms. Donowho sustained numerous fractures, specifically breaks in both ankles, her right hand, and her sternum. Calderon departed the UK via a commercial flight bound for Texas on 25 November, prior to a scheduled court appearance in the UK. He received a 32-month prison sentence at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday. While delivering the sentence, Judge Martin Jackson characterized Calderon’s conduct as “appalling”. The judge further stated: “It was the sort of driving one expects from arrogant, young boy racers.” Judge Jackson, who also issued Calderon a two-year driving ban to be served after his release, observed that the 23-year-old was an inexperienced driver who had possessed a licence for only a year. He informed Calderon that he “had not actually taken the trouble” to acquaint himself “with solid white lines and what they mean”. Dashcam footage shown in court revealed Calderon losing control of his Honda Accord after performing a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre, leading to a head-on crash with the Mercedes driven by Ms Donowho. Judge Jackson stated that Calderon had acquired the vehicle only seven days prior and had “not taken the trouble to make sure that it carried insurance”. Addressing Calderon’s departure to the US, Judge Jackson remarked: “It is troubling that instead of attending at that first [magistrates’ court] date you chose to to return to America rather than face the music.” Radd Seiger, legal representative for Ms Donowho, indicated that the sentencing brought significant relief to his client, as her “campaign for justice has succeeded and that this wrong has now been righted”. Jennifer Winzor of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) affirmed that the CPS collaborated extensively with US authorities to guarantee the successful extradition. She stated: “Those who commit offences in the UK cannot simply expect to walk away without accountability, and Calderon has now been brought to justice in a UK court where he has been sentenced for his crime.” This particular case has been likened to that of motorcyclist Harry Dunn, who passed away in August 2019 after his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle operated by Anne Sacoolas, who was driving on the incorrect side of the road. Ms. Sacoolas departed the UK after the US government invoked diplomatic immunity on her behalf, though she ultimately received a suspended sentence following a court appearance via video link. Chief Superintendent Gareth Morris of West Mercia Police expressed satisfaction with the sentence but conceded the “frustrations at the time this has taken”. The force faced criticism for its handling of the Calderon case, following the suspect’s flight from the country. Ch Supt Morris explained: “As has already been stated, Mr Calderon was not arrested at the scene following the incident as he required hospital treatment.” He further added: “The police do not have a general power to seize a person’s passport and the criteria to do so was not met at the time.” For updates, follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.