Caution - some may find the following case distressing. Samuel was 20 years old back in 2022. He had his whole life ahead of him. On Sunday 10 April 2022, Mason Hodgson took that future away from Samuel. Mason and Samuel were both at a car meet on an industrial estate in Warrington. Our investigation determined Mason was reaching speeds of close to 100mph, in a 30mph zone. Samuel was trying to cross the road when Mason's car struck him. Mason’s abhorrent driving gave him no chance. Despite the efforts of our officers and paramedics, Samuel tragically passed away a short time later in hospital. Working with Samuel Harding’s family and our investigators, we wanted to show you the raw and irreparable impact of what people might think is ‘just a bit of fun’ or ‘harmless’ can have. Mason Hodgson will spend 8 years away from society in prison. He will carry the knowledge that he took another man's life forever. Sometimes people think that by trying to prevent meets like this we're 'going after the easy targets' - they couldn't be more wrong. Big crowds alongside drivers that frankly, don't know what they're doing is a toxic mixture and eventually, tragically, someone will be hurt. Read more about the detailed investigation by our Serious Collision Investigation Unit that brought some measure of justice for Samuel – https://lnkd.in/drZW7g3G Our thoughts today are with Samuel's family, friends and loved ones.
We are sick to death of the same thing going on on the East Lancashire Road. Not only the clear danger presented but also the disgraceful disdain that these “visitors” show to nearby residents - parking cars across drive ways, throwing rubbish all over the place and getting camping chairs out to watch. It’s only a matter of time before another fatality occurs. My condolences to Samuel’s family. Truly awful.
..."8 years away from society." Unless they release him early because prison overcrowding, with noone tending to his trauma, which likely had been the root cause of his reckless driving.😡 #brokenBritain
Really powerful & traumatic video to watch & just hope drivers pay attention.
8 years !!!! He committed manslaughter at best. Lock him away for a very very long time 😠 😡 😠
Devastating 💔
Lead Business Analyst and Neurodiversity Advocate
1dThere is a much deeper routed problem, and there shouldn't be. General antisocial behaviour has become normalised, e-bikes, e-scooters riding dangerously through busy pedestrianised streets, the new trend of cyclists giving pillion passenger rides on the handlebars or pulling wheelies again on busy streets and the constant aroma of cannabis in busy places. When I joined the police back in 1988 we saw none of the above. The difference? We would patrol with the windows down so you could hear (or smell) what was happening, we would walk our beats, speak to people and deter and prevent crime. Where I live in Northwich, we rarely see a police officer on foot, the town centre has become a police free zone, and the antisocial driving around Barons Quay has been addressed with signage saying "don't drive in an antisocial manner". Great result in this case, and great investigation work, but let's see a visible police presence again!