Drug driver was on 22 hour trip when he killed mum on M6

19/04/2023

A drug fuelled van driver was on a 22 hour trip when he killed a mum and injured her daughter on the M6.

Marcin Szewczyk, 43, of Lancashire Hill, Stockport, was driving a white Mercedes Sprinter van on the M6 between junction 17 (Sandbach) and junction 18 (Middlewich), when he crashed into the back of a Kia Sportage. The Kia was stationary in heavy traffic, and displaying hazard warning lights at the time of the crash.

The car was pushed into the back of a HGV by Szewczyk, leading to the death of the rear seat passenger, Suzanne Taylor. Suzanne’s daughter, the front seat passenger, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery.

Szewczyk was arrested and taken into custody where toxicology results showed he had traces of amphetamine in his system. During the course of the investigation, officers spoke to key witnesses who said the van was weaving all over the road.

Witnesses provided dashcam footage which proved pivotal in the case. GPS data from his employer found the vehicle being driven by Szewczyk had left the warehouse a total of 22 hours and 31 minutes prior to the collision travelling over 450 miles.

Szewczyk was later charged with causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty at Chester Crown Court and was jailed for seven and a half years on Tuesday, April 18.

Investigating Officer PC Faye Clarke said: “Szewczyk’s actions and decision to continue to drive throughout the 22 hour period prior to the collision has devastated Suzanne’s family. He did not hold a valid driving licence and enquiries found that his Polish driving licence was listed as confiscated and invalid.

Suzanne Taylor died in a crash on the M6 on October 30, 2021 (Image: Cheshire Constabulary)

“Whilst employed as a professional driver Szewczyk deliberately chose to ignore the law and continued to drive whilst knowingly fatigued and under the influence of a controlled drug which put lives at risk. He had ample opportunity to pull in or leave the motorway network but continued to drive.

“I would like to thank all those who assisted at the scene and those who have supported police to allow us to build a case to put Szewczyk before the court and take him off the roads. Our thoughts remain with Suzanne’s family who have been left devastated following this tragic collision, they have shown such dignity and courage throughout proceedings.”

Speaking following the sentencing, Suzanne’s family said: “As a family we are pleased with the custodial sentence of seven and a half years, though no sentence can bring mum back. We as a family want to move forward with our lives and keeping mum in our thoughts at all times.

“We would like to thank Cheshire Police for their hard work and patience showed throughout this process, especially our Family Liaison Officer and the investigation team.”

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