In a case that underscores the grave consequences of dangerous driving, 22-year-old Samuel Berrisford from Mayfield Road, Biddulph, has been sentenced to three years in prison. The sentencing, which took place at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, February 8, 2024, comes after Berrisford’s reckless actions led to a serious collision near Congleton, leaving his passenger with severe injuries.
On the evening of Saturday, 13 May 2023, Berrisford, along with a 37-year-old woman, ventured to Sandbach for an outing that involved playing pool and consuming alcohol. The journey back to Biddulph turned perilous as Berrisford, behind the wheel of a black Audi A4, ignored his passenger’s warnings about his excessive speed. The situation escalated to a horrifying crash on Child’s Lane, Brownlow, near Congleton, when Berrisford lost control and collided with a wall.
Following the collision, Berrisford briefly checked on the condition of his passenger before making the decision to flee the scene, abandoning the severely injured woman. A local resident, drawn by the noise of the impact, attempted to offer assistance, but Berrisford had already vanished.
The emergency services were alerted to the one-vehicle collision around 10:35 pm by the ambulance service. Cheshire Police launched an immediate search for Berrisford, leading to his arrest. Subsequent tests revealed Berrisford’s blood alcohol concentration stood at 115 milligrams per 100 millilitres, significantly over the legal limit of 80 milligrams.
The victim suffered extensive injuries, necessitating a two-and-a-half-week hospital stay. Among the injuries were fractures to her spine and a perforated bowel, which required surgical intervention.
Berrisford later admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drink driving, and failing to stop after a collision at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on January 8. In addition to his prison sentence, Berrisford received a four-year driving ban, which will commence upon his release.
Sergeant Jackie Cantrell of Cheshire Police reflected on the case, highlighting the reckless disregard for human life exhibited by Berrisford. She required surgery and weeks in hospital, and although nothing will ever make her forget the traumatic events of that night, I hope the fact that Berrisford is now being held accountable for his actions will provide some closure,” Cantrell stated.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving privileges. Sergeant Cantrell’s message to the public is clear: reckless behavior on the roads can have life-altering consequences for all involved. The hope is that this case will deter others from making similarly dangerous choices behind the wheel.
