A man who callously left a 60-year-old woman to die after a collision in Rochdale has been sentenced to prison following an investigation by the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU).
John Brazil, 28, of Waithlands Road in Rochdale, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Anne Jones in a hearing prior to his sentencing. On 19 October 2023, Brazil appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court, where he was handed a prison sentence of 9 years and 9 months.
During the trial, the court heard that on Sunday, 19 December 2021, Anne Jones was walking along the footpath on Edenfield Road with her husband and friends. They were en route to a restaurant where Anne had reserved a table for dinner.
At the same time, Brazil was driving a Mercedes A180 at speeds of up to 60mph in the urban area. It was revealed that Brazil had been disqualified from driving due to a previous dangerous driving conviction. He possessed only a provisional driver’s license and did not have insurance to drive the vehicle.
Tragically, as Anne and her friend crossed Edenfield Road, she was struck by Brazil’s Mercedes and suffered catastrophic injuries. Instead of stopping to assist her, Brazil fled the scene, leaving Anne to die at the roadside.
Brazil attempted to conceal his car in a residential car park on Raven Street, approximately 700 meters away from the collision site. However, an immediate investigation was launched, and the following day, on 20 December 2021, Brazil voluntarily presented himself at Bury Police Station. He was subsequently arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured/unlicensed, and causing death while disqualified from driving.
Initially denying his responsibility, Brazil eventually pleaded guilty due to the overwhelming evidence compiled by the SCIU investigation.
Following yesterday’s sentencing, Mark Jones, Anne’s husband, paid tribute to his wife, expressing the profound loss suffered by their family. He emphasised that no sentence could ever rectify the devastation caused by Anne’s death, and her absence would forever impact the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Police Sergeant Louise Warhurst acknowledged the lengthy process leading up to the conclusion of the case and expressed hope that the verdict would provide some closure for Anne’s family. She described Anne as a loving wife and devoted mother who should have been enjoying the Christmas season with her loved ones.
Sgt. Warhurst extended gratitude to Anne’s family for their support, strength, and bravery throughout the investigation and court proceedings, acknowledging the immense hardship they endured. She also praised the efforts of the officers involved in the case, who played a crucial role in ensuring that Brazil was brought to justice for his actions.
