A speeding driver who had taken MDMA killed a 'much-loved family man' in a crash in Cheshire.
Martin Cunliffe has been found guilty of causing the death of 50-year-old Gerry Smith following the smash in Warmingham in August 2020. Cunliffe was found with MDMA in his blood at the time - at a level of 39 times the legal limit, police said.
The 37-year-old, from Barnton, was also spotted speeding before the crash. Mr Smith, from Middlewich, was described as a man with a 'big heart' who leaves behind seven children and 24 grandchildren.
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During a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court, jurors were told how at around 11am on Wednesday, August 12 2020, police were first called to the scene on School Lane. Officers found a red Fiat 500, driven by Cunliffe, had crashed into a white Ford Connect van.
The driver of the van, Mr Smith, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Cunliffe also sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital, police said.
An investigation was launched by officers from Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit. Officers spoke to several witnesses, who stated that Cunliffe had been travelling well above the 30mph limit, with one also stating that he had overtaken them at speed.
Officers also recovered CCTV and data from the Fiat that showed Cunliffe had travelled along School Lane at speeds of up to 54mph.The data also show that he was travelling at a speed of no less than 39mph at the point of impact.
Blood analysis taken from Cunliffe revealed that he was under the influence of MDMA at the time of the collision; with a level of 392 microgram of MDMA per litre of blood. Cunliffe was then charged.
Yesterday (Thursday), he was convicted of causing death by driving without due care and attention whilst over the specified controlled drug limit. He has been bailed ahead of his sentencing on Friday, June 9.
Paying tribute to Mr Smith, his family said: "We are absolutely devastated by the sudden avoidable loss of our beloved Gerry and our lives have fallen apart since his death. Gerry was a much loved family man, he leaves behind his loving wife, seven children and 24 grandchildren, four of whom will never have the opportunity to meet their loving grandad.
"He was the life and soul of the party, a man with a big heart and will always be missed by all his family and friends."
Following the verdict, PC Liz Thompson, of the Cheshire Constabulary Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This case demonstrates the repercussions of driving under the influence of illegal drugs and driving in excess of the speed limit and without care and attention. On the morning of the collision Cunliffe took the decision to get behind the wheel, despite the fact that he knew he was under the influence of MDMA.
"As a result of that decision, a man has lost his life and Cunliffe is now facing the consequences of his actions. My thoughts at this time remain with Mr Smith’s family and while nothing will ever bring him back, I hope that the conclusion of the case and the guilty verdict will provide them with some closure and allow them to move forward with their lives."
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