Drunk Driver Jailed for Killing Nurse on Pavement
Craig Mossop, from Hartington Road, was locked up for nine years today (Monday 16 November 2020) at Bolton Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to five serious driving offences, including death by dangerous driving.
Reckless Drive Ends in Tragedy
On Sunday 23 August 2020, Mossop set off on a seven-mile trip in his blue Land Rover TD4 without a licence or insurance – and under the influence of alcohol. CCTV showed him driving wildly near Chorley Street, where Susan Jackson, a respected nurse of 30 years, was about to meet her husband after a run.
Footage captured Mossop narrowly missing railings before mounting a kerb. Then, at 53mph in a 30mph zone, he mounted the pavement and struck Mrs Jackson. Despite this, he drove on, running a red light at a busy junction where he seriously injured a 36-year-old man on a pedestrian island.
Public Heroes Stop Drunk Driver
Passers-by bravely intervened, preventing Mossop from fleeing and nearly hitting the pedestrian again. He was held until police arrived and arrested him. His breathalyser test revealed 51 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath – over twice the legal limit. Mossop was charged with causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, drink driving, driving without insurance, and without a licence.
Family’s Heartbreaking Statement
“Sue was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and nurse. She had 30 years’ experience as a specialist lung cancer nurse, loved by patients and respected by colleagues,” said her husband Graham.
“I now live without my soulmate; Sue’s girls have lost their mother, having already lost their dad. Our lives will never be the same. Mossop’s selfish, drunk driving took Sue from us. His prison sentence feels far too light for what he’s done.
“We will never forgive him. But we will live enriched by having loved and been loved by Sue.”
Police Warn Against Drink Driving
Detective Constable Emma Kennedy of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Craig Mossop showed zero regard for the law or road users. Both victims were pedestrians and should have been safe. Members of the public who provided first aid and stopped Mossop deserve huge thanks.
“Drink-driving isn’t just a night-time or festive danger – it can happen any time, with devastating consequences. Drivers must think twice before choosing to get behind the wheel after drinking.”
