James Ashman jailed for 15 years for causing death by dangerous driving after collision in Vernon Street, Ipswich
A man with ‘absolutely no regard for the law’ has been jailed for 15 years in connection with a fatal road traffic collision.
James Ashman, 29, of Lower Harlings, in Shotley Gate, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving following an incident in Vernon Street, Ipswich, at around 10pm on October 12, 2022, which involved a bicycle and three cars.
The cyclist, later identified as Benjamin Wright, 35, from the Ipswich area, died at the scene.
Ashman appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today and was sentenced to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment, following an eight-day trial in July where was found guilty after denying the dangerous driving offence.
The collision involved a blue Audi S3, a grey Volkswagen Golf and a Red Skoda Fabia and, following police inquiries, it was established that the Audi, driven by Ashman, had collided with the cyclist which propelled him into the path of the Golf.
The Audi then collided with the Skoda before Ashman decamped and fled on foot.
Through analysis of CCTV recordings, police confirmed Ashman was driving the car at around 60mph – twice the 30mph speed limit – when the collision occurred.
It was also established that Ashman had been in a phone conversation, using handsfree, at the time.
The court heard Ashman fled the scene and initially went to a friend’s address nearby, before he stopped a male cyclist in Wherstead Road and offered £40 for his bicycle, which was accepted.
He then cycled to a nearby convenience store, where he told the shop owner his car had been stolen at knifepoint and asked for a lift to an address in Chelmondiston.
Later that evening, officers attended an address in Chelmondiston and located Ashman hiding behind a garden shed.
He was arrested in connection with the incident and initially taken to Ipswich Hospital as a precaution before being transported to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
The clothes he was wearing at the time of the collision were found in a carrier bag at the address.
Detective Inspector David McCormack, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Ashman’s actions that evening were dangerous and reckless and he showed absolutely no regard for the law or other road users – travelling at almost double the 30mph speed limit.
“It is clear Ashman attempted to evade justice by leaving the scene of the collision, making up a false story of his car being stolen to persuade an innocent member of public to drive him to a friend’s address, where he then hid from officers.
“He has then refused to acknowledge the severity of the charge against him.”
Following an investigation, Ashman was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and six months prior to this he had been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.
Ashman had admitted failing to stop, but denied the other two offences.
The jury found him guilty by a unanimous verdict for causing death by dangerous driving, for which he received a 14-year prison sentence. The charge of failing to report a collision was withdrawn.
Following his arrest and a search of the address where he was found, officers uncovered large quantities of cannabis and £5,000 in cash.
Ashman was further charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis, along with a second man – Alfie Hedges, 27, of Collimer Close, in Chelmondiston.
Ashman was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for the drug offence to run consecutively to the 14 year sentence, bringing his total jail term to 15 years.
Hedges was given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 12-months, a community order comprising 80 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £500 costs.
Det Insp McCormack added: “The family and friends of Benjamin Wright have been left truly devastated and I hope today’s result will provide them with some closure.
“I also hope this sends a message to other motorists about the consequences of driving dangerously and at high speed.”
