Fatal Hit-And-Run Incident

A hit-and-run driver who smashed into a cyclist has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

CCTV footage revealed businessman Brian Williams, 35, from Urmston, was driving on the wrong side of the road at about 60mph when he hit Billy Harrison, 21.

Mr Harrison was returning from a nightclub with two friends in Higher Urmston Road, Greater Manchester, at 2.45am on May 3. He was thrown into the air and killed instantly when hit by Williams's BMW X5 car.

Williams drove away, but returned several hours later. A policeman noticed human tissue on his clothes, which he tried to claim was tree sap.

The offender was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty at an earlier court hearing.

Mr Harrison's family, from Davyhulme, Greater Manchester, brought their son's ashes to Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester as Williams was sent to prison.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

Jonathan Betts from law firm Irwin Mitchell specialises in road traffic incidents. He said: “We welcome the sentence received by Mr Williams which is a good indication of the seriousness of his actions. Cases such as this are not uncommon, we deal with many people whose lives have been devastated as a result of careless or dangerous driving and I would urge all road users to take considerable care in order to avoid such tragedies.

“Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Harrison at what must be a very difficult time.”