A married couple from St Helens have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after orchestrating a prolonged and sophisticated deception to avoid responsibility for a fatal motorway crash that claimed the life of a 'high-achieving' young man.
A Fatal Night on the M62
On the evening of April 24, 2021, Steven Naylor, then 41, made a catastrophic decision. After a belated birthday party for his wife, Lisa, at their home on Spinney Close, he got behind the wheel of his Audi A4 despite having consumed alcohol.
Prosecutor Nicola Daley told Liverpool Crown Court that Naylor drove onto the M62 at grossly excessive speed. CCTV captured his vehicle travelling at approximately 120mph, flashing its headlights aggressively. In a devastating collision near junction seven for Rainhill, his car ploughed into the back of a motorbike ridden by 23-year-old Owen Baugh from Manchester, who was travelling correctly at around 70mph.
Mr Baugh was thrown into the carriageway and was struck by another vehicle, suffering fatal injuries. The force of the impact sent Naylor's car off the road, through a fence, and into a field, where a wooden post pierced the windscreen and impaled him in the shoulder.
The Unravelling 'Web of Lies'
While Steven Naylor sustained serious injuries from the crash he caused, the court heard that he and his 40-year-old wife then embarked on a years-long campaign of dishonesty. They exaggerated the extent of his ongoing disabilities in a bid to derail the judicial process.
The couple insisted he lacked the capacity to consent to his blood sample being analysed after the crash, leading to him being cleared of failing to provide a specimen in July 2023. Lisa Naylor told experts her husband had fluid on his brain, a deteriorated memory, and severe mobility issues, requiring a walking stick indoors.
However, a police investigation uncovered a trove of evidence completely contradicting their claims. Detectives obtained footage and images showing Steven Naylor's true capabilities:
- Playing rugby in April 2023.
- Carrying trays of drinks at a rugby club in June 2023.
- Shopping independently at Aldi and Morrisons.
- Attending an 80s disco, the cinema, and his brother's wedding where he gave a speech.
- Going on a holiday to Dublin, kayaking, coaching rugby, and playing golf in 2024.
Despite this evidence, the couple continued the charade. During a police interview in October 2024, Steven Naylor pretended to be unsure how to use his walking stick.
Sentencing and Condemnation
Steven Naylor eventually pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice. Lisa Naylor pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.
On January 8, 2026, Judge Simon Medland KC sentenced Steven Naylor to 12 years in prison and banned him from driving for 138 months. Lisa Naylor was imprisoned for 54 months.
Passing sentence, Judge Medland condemned their 'appalling, selfish and dishonest behaviour', stating the facts were 'uniquely serious' in his long experience. He said the couple had 'grossly delayed' the prosecution and 'prolonged the agony' of Owen Baugh's family, who had conducted themselves with 'utmost dignity'.
The judge highlighted the cruel contrast: 'While they were mourning and grieving, you and your wife treated yourself to trips to discos, golf, Dublin, boat trips and lived a normal life of happiness and fulfilment.'
Defence counsel for Steven Naylor, Joanne Maxwell, cited his previous good character, autism diagnosis, and traumatic family bereavements in his youth. Anna Duke, for Lisa Naylor, pointed to her own mental health issues and family tragedies. Both expressed remorse on their clients' behalf, but the judge found their protestations of being unfit to plead were a 'sham from start to finish'.
