Prison for man who caused death by dangerous driving

A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving in Corby.

At about 10am on September 14, 2019, Ross Andrew Cooney, previously of Corby, was driving a blue Ford Mondeo along Dunedin Road when he moved over to the wrong side of the road to overtake a number of vehicles and collided with a blue Mercedes CLK travelling in the opposite direction.

Following the collision, Cooney fled the scene, leaving behind Kelly Meek – a 45-year-old woman who had been sitting in the back seat of the car he was driving, as well as the driver of the Mercedes – a 57-year-old woman.

Police and paramedics were called by members of the public however, despite their best efforts, Kelly sadly died from her injuries at the scene.

The driver of the Mercedes was taken to University Hospital Coventry with serious injuries and continues to this day with her recovery.

An investigation was launched by Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit leading to the arrest of Cooney later that day.

At a trial at Northampton Crown Court earlier this year, Cooney was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Yesterday (December 5) at the same court, he was handed a sentence of nine years in prison. He was also disqualified from driving for 10 years and will have to complete an extended driving test before getting his licence back.

Lead Investigator – Detective Constable Janette Maitland, said: “No sentence will ever make up for the death of Kelly Meek and the injuries caused to the driver of the Mercedes, but I am pleased that Cooney has been found guilty and sent to prison for his crimes.

“Not only did he drive incredibly dangerously on that day in 2019, and cause a horrific collision, but shockingly he ran away, leaving two women with serious injuries behind.

“One of them – Kelly, was supposed to be his friend, but instead of helping and getting her medical attention, he coldly left her as he fled the scene.

“Kelly’s family have shown real composure and dignity throughout this lengthy process which I commend them highly for and I hope the conclusion of this case provides them with some semblance of closure.

“I also hope this brings some type of closure to the driver of the Mercedes and helps with her recovery after this awful event. 

"All the innocent parties in this investigation have been so strong and should be proud that they have played such an integral part in bringing Cooney to justice.”