Speeding Sheffield driver jailed for crash which killed woman, 83

Ryan Naughton drove at almost twice the speed limit before the fatal crash, police said

A man who killed an elderly woman and injured her husband when he crashed his car into a taxi has been jailed.

Ryan Naughton, of Skye Edge Road, Sheffield, was seen driving at high speeds in a residential area before the head-on collision on 9 September 2021.

Eileen Epton, 83, died and her husband Richard was seriously hurt.

Naughton, who had admitted causing death by dangerous driving, was jailed for eight years at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday.

He also admitted causing injury by dangerous driving in the crash on Harborough Avenue, Sheffield, and was banned from driving for 11 years and four months.

Naughton had driven at almost twice the speed limit in an urban area causing the collision with the VW Passat taxi carrying Ms Epton and her husband, a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.

"He overtook other vehicles in an exceptionally dangerous manner, and was described as disregarding risk of danger to others and driving in a highly dangerous manner at a speed far too fast for that road."

PC Natalie Booler, from the force's Serious Collisions Unit, said: "This sentencing sees a dangerous and irresponsible individual off our streets.

"Although it will never take away from the grief and harm caused to Mr Epton and his family, I hope this conclusion offers a sense of closure and justice, and our thoughts remain with the family."

Naughton is required to serve at least two thirds of his custodial sentence and, following the driving disqualification, will be required to complete an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again.