Trent Jason Simm, aged 24, has been sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after a fatal collision that resulted in the death of an 82-year-old woman and injuries to three other passengers.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 13, 2022, at approximately 11..55pm in Halifax Road in Rochdale. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers swiftly responded to reports of a serious collision.
Investigations revealed that Simm was driving an Audi S3 at excessive speeds along Halifax Road when he lost control on a nearside bend. The vehicle crossed over onto the opposing carriageway, colliding head-on with a Kia Venga travelling in the opposite direction.
Emergency services arrived at the scene promptly and provided first aid to the occupants of the Kia Venga, including the driver, Doris Bridgehouse. Tragically, despite their best efforts, Doris was pronounced dead at the scene. Two occupants of the Audi S3 also required medical attention.
Simm was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Doris had been driving her daughter and grandson home after attending her grandson’s university showcase. CCTV evidence indicated that the Kia was travelling at an average speed of 27 mph.
However, evidence from CCTV footage and the Audi S3 itself demonstrated that Simm had been driving at excessive speeds for a considerable period leading up to the collision. Approximately 200 meters before the incident, the Audi S3 was recorded travelling at around 112 mph.
In a shocking revelation, forensic collision reconstruction experts confirmed that Simm’s speed had increased to 118 mph on a 30-mph road just moments before the collision. As he approached the left-hand bend, the loss of control became inevitable.
The Audi S3 crossed over onto the wrong side of the carriageway, resulting in a devastating head-on collision with the Kia Venga. According to the findings of the collision reconstruction expert, the impact speed exceeded 100 mph. Simm claimed to officers at the scene that “the pedals got stuck, and I’ve come round the corner on the wrong side of the road.”
Passengers from both vehicles suffered serious injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Trent Jason Simm, residing on Edenfield Road in Rochdale, was charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He later pleaded guilty on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
Simm has now been sentenced to 14 years in prison and has been disqualified from driving for five years, starting upon his release from prison.
In court, Doris’s daughter, Amanda, read a statement expressing the profound impact of losing her mother. She detailed the ongoing struggles with grief, memory loss, and the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on her and her family. Amanda directly addressed Simm, emphasising the weight of his actions and the irreversible damage caused to both families.
Sergeant Louise Warhurst from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit commended the assistance provided by members of the public at the scene and throughout the investigation. She emphasised the importance of adhering to speed limits and the devastating consequences that reckless driving can have on innocent lives.
