Uninsured driver who killed friend speeding whilst trying to evade police has been sentenced to 6 years

Elliot Martin (23/07/2001) of Calderdale Avenue, Manchester has been sentenced at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (13/10/2022) to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of Ronaldo Johnson and the serious injury of two others by dangerous driving.

On Wednesday 31 March 2021, a Greater Manchester Police patrol attempted to stop a Ford Focus being driven by Martin on Yewtree Road, Fallowfield. The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued where Martin reached speeds of up to 65mph in a 30mph zone.

During the pursuit Martin drove through a red traffic light and collided with a taxi travelling through the junction on a green light. The passenger in the taxi struck by the fleeing vehicle, a 31-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries.

The collision caused extensive damage to the passenger side of the Ford Focus, where Ronaldo was sat in the rear. He tragically died of his injuries on 6 April 2021. The front seat passenger, a 20-year-old man, also suffered serious life changing injuries.

Martin ran from the scene of the collision and the devastation that he caused. The following day he handed himself in at a police station where he was arrested.

Police Constable Oliver Batty of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Martin’s driving fell far below what would be expected of any careful, competent, and law-abiding driver. Ultimately, his actions led to the death of Ronaldo and serious injuries to two other people. Our thoughts remain with the family of Ronaldo as they come to terms with this loss.

“I hope this sentencing today will deter other motorists from risking other’s safety whilst driving, as every decision on the road has the potential to result in catastrophic consequences.”

After the hearing, Ronaldo’s family said: “The day we lost Ron, our lives were paused, and the void that Ron leaves will never be replaced. Elliot still has a life that he can live.

"He has no real remorse for his actions whilst we have no choice but to continue life without our loved one. Ron will be sadly missed by us all and no sentence will ever be enough to replicate the loss of him, to us as a family, and to the rest of the community.”