Driver jailed after M6 crash killed BA hopeful

A lorry driver who crashed into a stationary car on the M6, killing a 19-year-old woman who was about to start her "dream career" with British Airways, has been jailed for eight years and four months.

Daniel Barlow, 30, of Dall Street, Burnley, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court after being convicted of causing Chloe Williams' death by dangerous driving and seriously injuring two others.

Chloe was travelling to a concert in Manchester with her partner and a friend when the crash happened near junction 17 for Sandbach on 2 December 2022.

Traffic had stopped due to congestion when Barlow's HGV crashed into the rear of the Volkswagen Polo carrying the three friends, Cheshire Police said.

Analysis found Barlow had continued at 55mph and only tried to brake moments before the crash.

Chloe died from her injuries, while the two other occupants of the car suffered serious injuries, including broken legs and a fractured skull.

Police said both men have been left with life-changing effects, including memory loss and long-lasting pain.

Barlow had been due to be sentenced on 8 October but failed to attend court. He was arrested the following day after officers found him at a friend's address in Lancashire, the force added.

As well as the prison sentence, he was banned from driving for 10 years and four months and must take an extended retest before returning to the road.

In a statement, Chloe's family said: "No verdict can bring Chloe back and no sentence can give us back the time we have lost with her.

"We would give anything to have more time with Chloe, to hear her voice, see her smile, hold her and simply have her here with us.

"We will never stop loving her, we will never stop missing her and we will always be left wondering about the life she should have lived."

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