Driver jailed for killing and injuring pedestrians while trying to escape police

A driver who crashed into a fence while trying to escape from police – moments before he then hit two pedestrians – has been jailed.

Ryan Skelton was behind the wheel of a blue Volkswagen Jetta on the morning of 12 September last year when police were contacted by a member of the public who was concerned about his manner of driving.

When officers arrived, they approached Skelton in his vehicle and he tried to make off from the area of Oronsay Road in Beaumont Leys. However, he almost immediately collided with a metal fence before making off at speed, mounting the kerb and hitting two people who were on the pavement further along the road.

Anthony Haynes, 66 and 56-year-old Rachael Newton – his carer – were taken to hospital. Mr Haynes died as a result of his injuries on 23 September while Ms Newton suffered life-changing injuries from which she is still recovering.

Twenty-three-year-old Skelton, of Round House Close in Bagworth, pleaded guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court on 13 December.

Today (Thursday 9 January) he was jailed for eight years and eight months' imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for 11 years.

Ryan Skelton

Detective Constable Madeleine Hayes, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “This is a tragic incident that’s had a major impact on Mr Haynes’ family, Ms Newton and her family.

“Skelton had no regard for the safety of others – his sole focus was on trying to evade arrest. Sadly, his recklessness resulted in an innocent person losing their life and another sustaining life-changing injuries.

“I hope those who this has affected and the wider community can take some reassurance from today’s outcome and the fact Skelton is now serving a term of imprisonment.”