A father of two inhaled nitrous oxide just 20 minutes before a fatal car crash, an inquest has heard. Callum Knott, 26, from Stafford, was driving his partner's Nissan Juke on the A51 near Aston Marina, Stone, when he lost control and left the carriageway at around 9pm on July 7. His partner and their 21-month-old daughter were also in the vehicle.
Provisional Licence and Previous Ban
At the time of the collision, Callum only held a provisional driving licence, despite passing his test in January 2018. He had previously been banned from driving. A Staffordshire Police officer told the inquest that CCTV showed the Nissan Juke at Tesco Trent Vale at 8.41pm, with Callum's partner Emily Jackson driving. Callum was seen in the passenger seat wearing a white T-shirt. Emily purchased a packet of balloons at the self-service checkout.
Timeline of Events
At 8.48pm, the vehicle was seen traveling along London Road toward Stone. Eleven minutes later, it passed Barlaston Golf Club. By 9.03pm, the car entered Newcastle Street in Stone, and it was clear Callum was driving. Witnesses reported seeing the car airborne, severely damaged, and on fire. One witness said she looked up after checking her phone and saw the vehicle moving from the right side of the road to the left before crashing.
Paramedic's Account
Off-duty paramedic Connor Smith stopped at the scene. He found the driver critically injured and trapped, the female passenger unconscious with a head injury, and a child unresponsive in the rear. The passenger regained consciousness and attempted to leave the vehicle despite his advice, raising concerns about spinal injuries. Callum suffered a cardiac arrest but was revived and taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he died in the early hours of July 8 after life-saving surgery failed.
Drug Evidence
Police found nitrous oxide and cannabis in the car. Callum's partner denied knowledge of these items. While in hospital, she sent messages to Callum's sister claiming a 'flashback memory' of Callum sucking a balloon before the crash, but later said she did not remember sending them. Phone records showed Callum was not using his mobile before the crash, but a video revealed him inhaling nitrous oxide 20 minutes prior.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic collision investigator PC Daniel Sutton stated that the Nissan Juke traveled 43.2 meters along the grass verge before hitting a large tree, with no evidence of braking or steering. The car then rolled over and slid 15 meters before righting itself. The speed limit was 60mph, and damage was consistent with that speed. There was no evidence of swerving to avoid another vehicle or hazard. Toxicology tests showed THC in Callum's system, but it could not be determined if he had recently smoked cannabis or consumed nitrous oxide.
Coroner's Ruling
Toxicologist Dr. Lawson explained that acute nitrous oxide use cannot be tested in post-mortem samples, but it works almost immediately, causing euphoria, laughter, dizziness, and paranoia. Coroner Fiona Gingell concluded that Callum died from poly-trauma following a road traffic collision. She noted that while there was video evidence of him inhaling nitrous oxide 20 minutes before the crash, she could not safely conclude he was under its influence at the time. She expressed condolences to his family, calling it a tragic loss of life.
In a tribute, grandmother Jean Knott said: 'Callum was my dearest grandson. He was kind and helpful. I love him.' Father Steven Knott added: 'Callum was a loving dad of two young children.'
