Salford Man Jailed for Fatal Christmas Day Crash
Nathaniel Ritchie, 34, from St Pauls Road, Salford, was sentenced to three and a half years at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, 9 June. He was found guilty of dangerous driving after a deadly crash on Christmas Day.
Deadly Crash on A536 Road
Ritchie was driving an Audi RS5 along Macclesfield’s A536 when the fatal accident happened. After leaving his home post-Christmas celebrations, he tried to buy soft drinks but realised the shop was probably closed. He then decided to head to a petrol station in Congleton instead.
On the return journey, Ritchie sped around a left-hand bend, crossing into the opposite lane and colliding with a white Volkswagen Up. The Volkswagen was driven by 46-year-old Lakshmi Basford from Rainow, who tragically died at the scene.
Police and Family Speak Out
Police Constable Nick Anderton said: “The family of Lakshmi have been waiting over two years to receive justice following her tragic death. Christmas is a time for celebrating with your family – sadly, Lakshmi’s family will never experience this again due to Ritchie’s reckless actions.
“Ritchie forced Lakshmi’s family to relive her last moments through this trial. I hope this sentence offers some comfort knowing he is now behind bars. Our thoughts remain with Lakshmi’s family as they continue to deal with the devastating outcome of this heart-breaking incident every day.”
Lakshmi’s family, present throughout the trial, said: “No sentence can ever reflect the loss we continue to suffer.” They thanked PC Anderton, PC Hilton (Family Liaison Officer), and the prosecution team for helping bring justice.
Paying tribute, they added: “Lakshmi was such a beautiful, kind, and gentle lady with many years to live. Our lives will never be the same, and we miss her greatly.”
