Man jailed for 18 years following fatal collision on Christmas Eve

A man has been jailed for 18 years after he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mark Plimmer, 28, of Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 23 September).

On 10 July 2024, following a trial, he was found guilty of death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

(Mark Plimmer)

Plimmer, also known as Mark Mellor, was driving a black Vauxhall Vectra along Uttoxeter Road in Draycott-in-the-Moors on Christmas Eve 2023 when he lost control, at speed.

His car collided with a Mini Cooper and a Hyundai Tucson, parked near to the La Villa Verde restaurant, just as the driver and passengers were about to get into the Hyundai.

The impact caused serious injuries to the pedestrians and, sadly, Charalambos Nicolaou, aged 62, who was visiting from Cyprus, was pronounced dead at the scene having been initially trapped under the Vauxhall.

(Charalambos Nicolaou)

Plimmer fled from the scene and was found by officers hiding a short distance away. He was charged on Christmas Day.

During his trial in July, Plimmer said that the car was being driven by another person who he refused to name. He was found guilty by a jury of all charges.

The court heard Plimmer, the driver and sole occupant according to witness evidence, was initially trapped in the vehicle, which caught fire, but climbed out of the rear window of the car after local residents who had heard the crash smashed the glass. He was identified by a number of witnesses following identification procedures.

CCTV evidence gathered during the investigation showed Plimmer had been drinking in a number of pubs before driving that night but he refused a request to provide a specimen of breath or blood for analysis.

Forensic Collision Investigator, PC Brian Lovatt, also told the court that the Vauxhall had been seen on CCTV 110 metres before the collision scene and calculations showed the car was travelling at 81mph. The speed limit for the road is 40mph.

The investigation was undertaken by the team in the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit. PC Jon Stant, who investigated the collision, said “This horrific collision caused the death of Charalambos and serious injuries to his two friends who are still recovering from their injuries.

“Charalambos was in the country with his daughter visiting friends for Christmas. The fact that the collision occurred in front of his daughter on Christmas Eve is even more devastating.

“Mark Plimmer got behind the wheel of a car that night having consumed a large amount of alcohol. He was not legally allowed to drive the car and the speed that he was travelling at was dangerous. His poor decision making that day led to this tragic and avoidable collision.

“For Plimmer to run from the scene while other members of the public rushed to help shows his blatant disregard for anyone else, his failure to accept responsibility for his actions has led to additional and unnecessary trauma for those involved.

“I would like to thank all the witnesses who came forward and provided evidence to assist the investigation and particularly the family of Charalambos who have waited patiently for justice throughout this difficult time.”