Fatal Crash Driver Jailed For Six Years

17 November 2011, 17:15 | Updated: 17 November 2011, 17:18

A man from Rayleigh is beginning a six year jail sentence after a crash which left a woman dead.

Philip Chapman, 56, pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to death by dangerous driving and three counts of GBH.

This all relates to a crash on Sutton Road, Southend on September 15, 2010.

Chapman was driving a van when he was taken ill with a pre existing medical condition and crashed into four other vehicles, including one being driven by Linda Brooks.

The 68-year-old from Hockley died in hospital in London, two weeks after the crash and serious injuries were sustained by several other people, including a two-year-old child.

SIO Inspector Damon Bainbridge said: "Philip Chapman had a serious medical condition but was self employed and felt he needed to drive.

"He was in fact playing Russian roulette as he could have become ill at any time. Sadly when he did this resulted in Mrs Brooks’ death and serious injuries to a number of other people.

"He will have to live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life.

"We again extend our condolences to Mrs Books’ family and friends and hope that this sentence will help to give them some closure."