Tragedy Strikes: Hit-and-Run Driver Receives Jail Sentence
In a heart-wrenching incident, a dad lost his life to a hit-and-run driver shortly after leaving a pub.
The driver, Scott Freeth, 33, attempted to conceal his involvement by setting his van on fire.
However, justice eventually caught up with him, leading to a nearly 10-year jail sentence.
The Fatal Night: On a Saturday night in June 19, 2021, Scott Freeth was out driving with two friends as passengers in his Mercedes Sprinter van.
Witnesses reported that he was driving recklessly and at excessive speeds, even running a red light.
Despite his friends’ pleas to slow down, Freeth continued to drive irresponsibly.
Meanwhile, David Clegg, 56, was enjoying an evening with friends at the Royal Oak pub in Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne.
At approximately 11:45 PM, as he was crossing the road after saying goodbye to his companions, tragedy struck.
Freeth’s van collided with him at a speed of 50mph in a 30mph zone, leaving Mr. Clegg with no chance of survival.
Escape and Capture: Rather than stopping to help, Freeth fled the scene of the accident and tried to set his van on fire to erase evidence. While he initially evaded capture, he later turned himself in to the authorities, making full confessions about the incident.
Devastating Impact: The consequences of Freeth’s actions extended beyond his immediate victims.
David Clegg’s daughter, Casey, only 16 years old at the time, was left orphaned after losing her father.
His son, Mark, also expressed the deep pain of losing a beloved parent and how it left a void that could never be filled.
The Sentencing: During the trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Bernadette Baxter acknowledged the profound grief endured by the Clegg family.
She sentenced Freeth to nearly 10 years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Despite the sentence, the judge recognized that no punishment could ever truly compensate for the loss suffered by the family.
Conclusion: This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and hit-and-run accidents.
While justice has been served, the pain and emptiness left behind for the Clegg family are irreparable.
As they strive to cope with the loss of both parents, they will require ongoing support and assistance from the community and bereavement charities.
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