‘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.
25-year-old Louis Dube was killed in the fatal road collision / Credit: GMP
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.
#JAILED | Man sentenced to 17 years in prison for death by dangerous driving after a fatal road collision in #Gorton.
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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Soho House Manchester finally has an opening date – and we don’t have long to wait
Daisy Jackson
Soho House Manchester has finally locked in an opening date for its huge members’ club – the first in the North of England.
With a heated rooftop pool, on-site restaurant, late-night bar, and plenty of spaces perfect for networking and working, it’s been one of the biggest openings our city has seen in years.
And we’ve been waiting a while – Soho House had initially locked in 2022 for its launch into Manchester, but unavoidable delays with the building has pushed this back.
Its transformation of the historic Granada Studios building, at the gateway to the new St John’s district, has been ticking over for several years, and the site is finally almost ready to launch.
Soho House Manchester has confirmed Tuesday 25 November as its opening date, with memberships starting from £2,400 per year.
The members-only space will span across three floors of club space, as well as the rooftop and pool, taking over the upper levels of the old Granada Studios.
Members will have access to a specially curated programme of events, all year round.
Soho House at White CitySoho House Manchester. Credit: Supplied
On the eighth floor will be the main club floor, home to The Drawing Room (with a special menu for Soho House Manchester); the House Kitchen, serving classic dishes all day long; and the Pool Lounge, with morning coffees to evening House Tonics.
On the floor above will be the Club Bar, a late-night space with a dedicated bar and live DJs; and the Orange Room, a space for parties and gatherings with a backdrop of the city’s skyline.
Back down on level seven is The Studio, a space for meetings, events and parties.
Also opening later this year will be Mollie’s Motel, a stylish American-style hotel also created by Soho House.
Soho House opens in Manchester on 25 November – you can apply for a membership HERE, with prices from £2,400 per year.
If you want to know more of what Soho House Manchester will offer, head HERE.
‘Disgusting predator’ from Wythenshawe jailed for life for child rape and sex offences
Emily Sergeant
A Wythenshawe man has been jailed for life after being found guilty of several sexual offences against a child.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that the offences came to light on Sunday 28 July 2024 after the victim disclosed that she had been raped by an adult man, who has been identified as Matthew Webb from Wythenshawe, and reported it to the police with support from a family member.
An investigation was then immediately launched, and the victim agreed to be interviewed.
Supported by officers, the victim bravely disclosed further abuse she had been subjected to between the ages of 11-15 – including rape and sexually assault on ‘several’ occasions.
Webb was subsequently arrested on suspicion of rape of a female under 16 on 28 July 2024, and then on 4 August 2024, he was further arrested on suspicion of the same offence based on new evidence obtained.
During his interviews, the 34-year-old was said to be uncooperative and answered “no comment” to all questions asked.
Matthew Webb has been jailed for 28 years for child rape and sex offences / Credit: GMP
Although Webb was charged with sexual offences against a child, he denied all these charges and pleaded ‘not guilty’ at his hearing.
Throughout the investigation and his trial, police say he showed ‘no remorse’.
Following a week-long trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Webb was found guilty by jury on one count of rape of a girl under the age of 13, one count of rape of a girl under 16 on no fewer than five occasions, three counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, two counts of sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13 by touching, and three counts of making indecent images of a child.
Yesterday (25 September 2025) he was finally handed a 28-year jail sentence, and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.
“Webb is a disgusting predator who though he could use a child for his own gratification with total disregard,” commented investigating officer DC Blackburn, from South Manchester’s Child Protection unit.
“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and allows her to move on as she rebuilds her life.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2023 
