Driver Lies After Fatal Crash That Killed 81-Year-Old on Park Lane
Jordie Stokes’ Web of Lies Unravelled
Jordie Stokes, 27, tried to fool police by claiming she was behind the wheel when 81-year-old Ann Cassidy was hit on Park Lane on 27 May 2021. Mrs Cassidy was rushed to hospital with a head injury. At first, her condition seemed stable, but tragically she died the following day from her injuries.
CCTV Exposes the Truth
PC Neila Morrell from South Yorkshire Police revealed what happened next: “Officers breathalysed Stokes and took her statement. She insisted she was driving a blue Seat Ateca and was insured to do so.”
However, when Mrs Cassidy died, police reviewed CCTV footage at the scene. It showed a white man driving, not Stokes. The woman only arrived after the collision, before police got there.
“We arrested Stokes and she confessed the driver was her partner, Harrison Buckley,” said PC Morrell.
Harrison Buckley’s Flight and Confession
Buckley, 24, fled to Blackpool but handed himself in after hearing about Stokes’ arrest. In interview, he admitted driving without insurance and pressuring Stokes to lie to police.
“Buckley forced Stokes to claim she was the driver to avoid trouble for himself,” PC Morrell added.
Justice Served, But Grief Lingers
Yesterday at Sheffield Crown Court, Buckley was sentenced to 14 months in jail and will be banned from driving for 18 months once released. He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and perverting the course of justice.
Stokes received a six-month suspended sentence after admitting to perverting the course of justice.
PC Morrell expressed sympathy for the family: “My thoughts are with them as they face this heartbreaking loss. Nothing can bring Mrs Cassidy back, but we hope today’s verdict offers some closure.”
