Speeding Driver Jailed After Fatal Crash on A1307
Martin Young, 68, was clocked tearing down the A1307 at nearly 90mph when he slammed into William Hall’s Volkswagen Polo at a junction between Horseheath and Linton. The collision on Monday, 16 December 2019 left 84-year-old Mr Hall critically injured. Tragically, he died months later in hospital after a neck fracture and contracting Covid-19.
Dashcam Deception Exposed
At first, blame was placed on Mr Hall, who was turning right across the A1307 at Dean Road. But Young insisted otherwise, submitting a witness statement and dashcam footage that he claimed proved his innocence.
However, police uncovered a shocking cover-up. Young had sent police a shaky mobile phone recording of the footage—making speed analysis impossible. When the original was finally obtained, it emerged that the footage had been doctored to hide how fast he was going.
The genuine video showed Young hurtling at 86 to 88mph, nearly 30mph above his own claim of 60 to 65mph in a phone statement. Both cars spun out on impact, seriously injuring Young, Mr Hall, and a passenger in the Polo.
Jail Time and Driving Ban
On 3 May, Young of Rutherford Place, Withersfield, near Haverhill, was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.
- He was jailed for 1 year and 8 months.
- Disqualified from driving for 5 years and 10 months.
- Ordered to take an extended driving test before he can return to the roads.
- Fined £2,116 in costs plus a victim surcharge.
Police Praise Patience of Victim’s Family
“Young was travelling at excess speed on the A1307, a road he knew to be notorious for fatal collisions,” said Detective Constable Rochelle Eves. “His attempt to avoid responsibility ultimately failed and it shows that if you lie to the police you will be found out.”
“I want to thank the family of Mr Hall for their dignity and patience while we have investigated this sad and complex case.”
The Hall family paid tribute to the late William, describing him as “a kind, loving and gentle man but also strong and determined.”
“He was a proud husband, dad, grandad, great grandad and father-in-law who loved spending time with his family around him,” they said. “He was always interested and keen to hear what we were all doing.”
