Ex-Barnsley footballer Steven Bennett jailed over fatal crash

Angela and Richard Wong died aged 56 and 62, respectively, after their car was hit from behind by a lorry on the M56.

HGV driver Steven Bennett, an ex-Barnsley FC striker, was locked up for five years at Chester Crown Court today, Thursday, after admitting two counts of causing death by dangerous driving over the incident in September 2019.

The 29-year-old, of Grimethorpe near Barnsley, was using his phone while behind the wheel on the motorway before the fatal collision on the eastbound carriageway between junction 10 at Stretton and junction nine at Lymm.

Police sergeant Andrew Dennison, of Cheshire Police’s serious and complex collision investigation unit, said after the sentencing: “Richard and Angela were a devoted couple who had been married for over 37 years.

“They were loving parents and grandparents, and their deaths sent shockwaves throughout their local community.

“My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.

“While no sentence will ever bring Richard and Angela back, I hope that the conclusion of this case will provide them with some closure – I also hope that this case will act as a warning to others.

“Driving is a complex task – drivers should always give full attention to what they are doing, as situations can change rapidly.

“This collision could have easily been avoided – Bennett had a clear view of the traffic ahead of him at least 20 seconds before he hit the stationary traffic, but sadly he was grossly inattentive on the approach to this clear hazard.

“Once he took his eyes off the road, his vehicle became a lethal weapon and by the time he realised what was happening it was too late.

“This need to use his phone whilst driving has cost Steven Bennett his liberty and Angela and Richard their lives.”

Mrs Wong was driving the pair’s grey Toyota Avensis shortly before 5.30pm on Thursday, September 2019, when the accident occurred and died at the scene.

Mr Wong, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died three days later in hospital.

The couple, from Manchester, were returning from Wales at the time of the crash having just purchased a caravan following their recent retirements.

As they approached the exit for the M6, they joined the back of a queue of stationary traffic in the left-hand lane and ‘waited patiently’ before the 10-tonne DAF engineering truck ploughed into them at 50mph – causing a seven-car pile-up in which four other casualties were injured.

Enquiries by police showed that Bennett, a Tykes academy graduate who made a handful of appearance for the first team during their 2010/11 Championship season, had been using his phone ‘on a regular basis’ after setting off on his journey from Liverpool.

He was also ‘obviously interacting’ with the device at the point of the collision.

The defendant was also banned from driving for four years and ordered to undertake an extended retest.

Mr and Mrs Wong’s son and daughter paid tribute to the ‘devoted’ couple in the wake of their deaths last year.

In a statement, the family said: “Angela and Richard were loving parents and grandparents, as well as a loving brother and sister.

“They were a devoted couple who had been married for 37 years and were well loved by all those who were fortunate to have known them – they touched the hearts and enriched the lives of everyone who knew them.

“Our parents leave behind two children, two grandchildren and an extensive family and group of friends who are all devastated by their sudden loss – they will be truly missed by everyone who knew them.

“We are forever grateful to have had them as our wonderful parents – we love them very much and they will be forever in our hearts.

“The family at this time respectfully request to be left alone so that we can grieve and mourn their passing.”

The M56 remained shut for 12 hours following the incident before reopening at around 5am the next day.

More to follow.