‘Sickening’ drunk driver jailed for 17 years after fatal road collision in Manchester
"Selfless and kind-hearted" Louis Dube lost his life when a man drove under the influence of drink at drugs at speeds of 60 mph on a 30 mph-limit road.
A man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for death by dangerous driving after a fatal road collision in Gorton.
35-year-old Ryan McElroy, from Chadderton in Oldham, was previously charged with several counts of dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified, before he was sentenced to 17 years in prison and further disqualified from driving for 12 and a half years after pleading guilty to Death by Dangerous Driving at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.
McElroy’s “sickening and appalling” driving under the influence of drink and drugs resulted in the death of 25-year-old Louis Dube following a fatal road collision.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to a serious collision on Mount Road in Gorton on Monday 5 December 2022 at around 11:30pm, where it was eventually established that a silver Vauxhall Crossland was being driven by McElory at speeds of up to 60 mph on a 30 mph-limit road.
McElory’s vehicle collided into the driver’s side of a black Vauxhall insignia.
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The Vauxhall insignia – containing two occupants, one of whom was Louis Dube – was attempting to turn in the road when their car was suddenly struck by the reckless driver, GMP confirmed.
Emergency services later attended the scene, and all three people involved in the collision were taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries.
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After suffering serious injuries in the collision, Louis Dube – who was described as “selfless and kind-hearted” – passed away on Thursday 8 December 2022, despite the best attempts of emergency services personnel.
The driver of the vehicle Louis was a passenger in was confirmed by GMP to be a 30-year-old woman, who was Louis’ friend, and also sustained serious injuries during the collision, which she continues to recover from.
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McElory sustained minor injuries, but was arrested at the scene immediately following the incident and subsequently charged and remanded into custody.
GMP has released shocking footage of McElory’s “reckless” movements under the influence of alcohol and drugs, before he made the decision to get behind the wheel of the vehicle on the evening of Monday 5 December 2022.
Speaking after the sentencing, and urging the public to “think before you drive”, Chief Inspector Ronald Neilson, of GMP Specialist Operations team, said: “My thoughts are of course with Louis’s family and loved ones at the difficult and saddening time, and I truly hope that the sentencing of Ryan McElroy brings your family and loved ones some form of closure.
“Ryan McElroy’s actions that evening was appalling and sickening. He knowingly and willingly chose to drive his car that evening whilst intoxicated on drugs and alcohol, and he showed absolutely no regard for the law or other road users that evening.
“Sadly, Louis was caught in the crossfire of his shameful actions and now we have lost another life to reckless driving.”
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CI Neilson continued: “I would urge the public to please think before you drive.
“Think not only of yourself, but your family, your friends, your loved ones and most importantly think about other people who you could hurt, who’s lives you could change if you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Do not be complacent, do not drive if you have taken anything or drank alcohol.
Leave plenty of time before you drive, because it might just cost you your life in prison or your life completely.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.
Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.
Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.