‘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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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Emily Sergeant -
10th February 2023 
