Daniel Barlow, 30, has been imprisoned for eight years and four months after being convicted of causing the death of 19-year-old Chloe Williams from Dudley. Barlow, from Whitworth, Lancashire, was driving his DAF lorry on the M6 on 2 December 2022 when he crashed into the rear of a Volkswagen Polo carrying Williams, who was travelling to a concert. The collision occurred near junction 17 at Sandbach in Cheshire, and Williams later died in hospital, while the car's two other occupants suffered serious injuries, including broken legs and a fractured skull.
Details of the Collision
According to a Cheshire Constabulary spokesman, the vehicles were heading northbound when the Polo came to a halt due to heavy traffic. Barlow, reportedly maintaining a steady speed of 55mph, smashed into the back of the vehicle. Analysis revealed that he did not attempt to brake until approximately 0.5 seconds before impact, despite having an unobstructed view of the traffic ahead. Evidence also showed that in the moments before the collision, he had interacted with his phone on multiple occasions, including logging into a gambling website.
Barlow was convicted at a previous trial of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. At Chester Crown Court on Friday, he received the prison sentence. Police revealed that Barlow was scheduled to be sentenced earlier this month but did not attend court and was later arrested at a friend's residence. He also received a 10-year and four-month driving ban.
Family's Statement
Following the sentencing, Chloe's family stated: "The trials may now be over but for our family, the loss of Chloe will never be over. No verdict can bring Chloe back and no sentence can give us back the time we have lost with her." They added: "We are grateful to the jury who listened to the facts and found him guilty of causing Chloe's death by dangerous driving. His final refusal to attend court for his scheduled sentencing showed just how little regard he holds for anyone but himself."
The family continued: "We would give anything to have more time with Chloe, to hear her voice, see her smile, hold her and simply have her here with us. Instead, we have to carry the pain of losing her for the rest of our lives, the impact of that loss will never leave us. We will never stop loving her, we will never stop missing her and we will always be left wondering about the life she should have lived."
Police Response
Inspector Andy Dennison, of the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation unit, commented: "This has been a long and complex investigation, throughout which Chloe's family have acted with integrity and dignity. Barlow meanwhile has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions, and no regards for the impact on Chloe's family and friends."
Barlow's conviction and sentence bring the legal proceedings to a close, but the family's loss remains permanent. The case highlights the severe consequences of using a mobile phone while driving, particularly in heavy traffic conditions.
