Man jailed after Staffordshire woman dies from injuries sustained in A5 crash

A West Midlands man has been jailed after a 47-year-old woman died from injuries sustained in a crash on the A5.

Dalton Cantrill, 23 of Queen Elizabeth Road in Nuneaton, lost control of his Mercedes E350 and collided rear-first with two vehicles parked in a layby on the A5 Southbound, near Junction 10 for the M42 at around 8.30pm on February 5.

Three people stood near the vehicle were seriously injured by the impact and required hospital attention - including 47-year-old Anna Walicka, from Tamworth, who later died from her injuries on February 23.

A passenger in Cantrill’s vehicle also sustained injuries in the collision.

Cantrill exited his vehicle and – after being told that there had been serious injuries – turned and left the area on foot and called for a rideshare service to pick him up.

An appeal was put out to locate him on February 6, and he was arrested the following day.

Appearing at Coventry Crown Court for sentencing on November 5, he was jailed for 48 months for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, as well as handling stolen goods, failing to stop, and two counts of driving without insurance.

Cantrill also received a driving licence disqualification for six years and 15 weeks, and until he passes an extended driving test.

Investigating officer DC Dyer said “Cantrill was driving an uninsured vehicle and lost control due to the dangerous condition of the vehicle. It was clear he wasn’t taking his responsibilities as a driver to his passengers and to other road users seriously.

“This led to the tragic death of Anna – our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time – and serious injuries to two other people.

“His failure to stop to help or provide his details was also damning, and he will have to live with the consequences of both his action and inaction for the rest of his life.”