Man who killed another in crash phoned his mum and said ‘I’ve messed up’ | UK News

A man has been jailed for dangerous driving after he crashed while driving at 118mph in a 30mph zone.

Trent Simm phoned his mum and told her ‘I’ve messed up’ after the fatal crash in Littleborough, Greater Manchester on May 13.

The crash killed grandmother Doris Bridgehouse and injured her daughter Amanda Holmes, her grandson Max, and Simm’s own passenger, Aaron Scott.

Trent, 25, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to Ms Holmes and Mr Scott.

He appeared at Minshull Street crown court in Manchester on Tuesday where he was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison. He was also banned from driving for five years, with a 44-month uplift.

During the hearing Ms Holmes explained she was in a car alongside her mother, Doris – known fondly as ‘Dot.’

Amanda’s son, Max, then aged 21 was in the rear of the vehicle, as they had been driving home after celebrating Max completing a degree at the University of Salford earlier that day.

Ms Holmes, a nurse, was knocked unconscious and required months of hospital treatment following the crash.

She told the court, addressing Simm directly: ‘My mum’s life was tragically taken away from her family by you, Trent Simm.

‘She was a fabulous person. She was a nurse cadet from school and trained as a nurse, and loved her vocation. I have been robbed of my goodbye.

‘She was a lovely lady and the most colourful person in the room. Everyone loved her care and disposition.

‘We never ended the day without saying I love you. We loved each other unconditionally and did so many things together.

‘I was so grateful she was my mum. We spoke everyday. This is something I still cannot come to terms with. The phone rings and I think it’s her.

‘I feel I am half the Mum, family member, and colleague that I was. I have gone back to work on reduced pay so my take home pay is half. I feel like a failure.

‘Trent Simm, this is all your fault. I am not the person I was and nor am I as capable or as autonomous. Someone driving at 100mph in a 30mph is actually beyond belief.

‘The speeds at which you were driving were unbelievably disgusting. We took the whole impact and never stood a chance.

‘What made you think you could travel at them and not kill?

‘You are going to have to live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of your life. I do not feel sorry for you at all.

‘Driving at those speeds you could be liable to kill someone – and you did.’

Next, her son Max addressed the court, saying: ‘It was one of the best days our family had had for some time. I sat with my nan all afternoon. It went from the best day of my life to the worst.

‘I could see and tell instantly that I had lost my nan. It was someone [making a] completely childish choice to drive like that and kill my nan and almost kill three generations of the same family.

‘Trent Simm, you came up to me and asked me who was in the car. I said my mum and my nan, and I think they are dead. I hope you still remember those words.

‘I felt so bitter that not only did you come over and ask who was in the car, you phoned your mum and said “I think I have messed up here”. I did not think I would ever get that opportunity again.

‘I hope you never drive again and if you do you see the image of me and my mum. You deserve everything that’s coming to you.’

Mr Scott, who was being taken home by Simm in the vehicle at the time of the collision was also seriously hurt.

Neelum Gomersall, defending Simm, said her client had ‘genuine remorse’.

She detailed an extract of the letter Simm wrote to the judge, which read: ‘Although I know no number of apologies will help I still wish to apologise. I have been to the scene to leave flowers.

‘If there was any way I could change things, I would.’

Passing down his sentence, Judge Usher told the defendant: ‘This is a desperately sad case for both families affected by your actions.

‘You were travelling in a performance car at 118mph on a 30mph road. It seems to me with a new car it’s highly likely you were showing off or thrill-seeking in the company of your friend.

‘It’s impossible to listen to victim impact statements without appreciating the appalling, and long-lasting, pain and suffering you inflicted on the family.

‘You were a young man but not unintelligent. You knew the danger of driving at those speeds.

‘Now two families’ lives have been devastated and and no doubt Mr Scott has been affected by your idiotic behaviour.

‘From everything I have read about you I am satisfied you now understand all these consequences are your responsibility.’

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