Overview
- Matthew Bennett, 23, was sentenced Tuesday at Preston Crown Court to nine years for causing death by dangerous driving, with eligibility for release after serving two thirds.
- A jury convicted him after a six-day trial, with deliberations lasting about 90 minutes, following CCTV that showed he and Christopher Tromp drank six pints each at the Windmill pub.
- Investigators said he likely drove about 70mph on a 40mph stretch of Cobbs Brow Lane, where the Audi A1 hit trees with such force that the engine and windscreen were torn out and Tromp was thrown from the car.
- Tromp’s parents and brothers told the court the death was avoidable and said Bennett showed no remorse, describing daily grief that has reshaped their family life.
- The court also disqualified Bennett from driving, with outlets reporting different lengths of the ban and one noting an extended re-test, a step often required in serious UK road cases.