Moment reckless driver who killed bicycle owner discovered hiding behind shed
A man, who killed a cyclist whilst driving double the speed limit, has been brought to justice after he was found hiding from the police behind a garden shed.
James Ashman, 29, has been jailed for 15 years in connection with a fatal road traffic collision which occurred two years ago and for supplying drugs today.
Bodycam footage of his arrest shows the moment Ashman was cowering in the dark behind a garden shed following a crash which involved three cars and a bicycle.
In the shocking clip, he can be seen sitting on the floor beside the shed as Suffolk Police approach him, shining their torches.
After he is discovered, the reckless driver leaves calmly with officers following the incident, which occurred on October 12, 2022.
James Ashman, 29, (Pictured) was found cowering behind a garden shed in the dark after he killed a cyclist whilst driving recklessly
The 29-year-old (Pictured) has been handed a 15-year prison sentence in connection with the fatal road traffic collision and for supplying drugs
Footage from road traffic cameras captured Ashman heedlessly driving his blue Audi S3, dashing along Vernon Street in Ipswich, Suffolk.
A collision then occurred shortly before 10pm involving Ashman, a grey Volkswagen and a Red Skoda Fabia.
Two cars can be seen visibly damaged as passerbys stop to help – however Ashman shamelessly jogs away away leaving the wreckage in his wake.
A cyclist, who was later formally identified as Benjamin Wright, 35, sadly died at the scene.
Police established that the Audi that had collided with the cyclist which propelled him into the path of the Golf – before the Audi then collided with the Skoda.
Analysis of CCTV recordings of the approach to the scene and reconstruction of the collision confirmed that Ashman was driving the car at around 60mph – twice the 30mph speed limit.
It was also established that Ashman had been in a phone conversation using handsfree.
The court heard that Ashman fled the scene and initially went to a friend’s address nearby.
He had also stopped a male cyclist and offered him £40 for his bicycle, which was accepted.
Bodycam footage of his arrest shows the moment Ashman was apprehended (Pictured) following an incident which involved three cars and a bicycle
After he was discovered, the reckless driver leaves calmly with officers following the incident, which occurred on October 12, 2022
Road traffic cameras also captured Ashman hitting speeds of 60mph in a 30mph before the collission occurred (Pictured)
Ashman heedlessly driving his blue Audi S3, dashing along Vernon Street in Ipswich, Suffolk
Police established Ashman’s Audi collided with cyclist Benjamin Wright which propelled him into the path of the Golf – before the Audi then collided with the Skoda
After cycling to a nearby convenience store, where he told the shop owner his car had been stolen at knife point, he asked for a lift to an address in Chelmondiston.
Later that evening officers attended an address and located Ashman hiding behind a garden shed, with the clothes he war during the incident found in a carrier bag.
He was arrested in connection with the incident and initially taken to Ipswich Hospital as a precaution before being questioned.
Ashman was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in October last year.
Six months before, he had been charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision and failing to report a collision.
Ashman had admitted failing to stop, but denied the other two offences.
The jury found him guilty by a unanimous verdict for causing death by dangerous driving, for which he received a 14-year prison sentence.
Officers uncovered also large quantities of cannabis and £5,000 in cash at his address and he was further charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
James Ashman appeared before Ipswich Crown Court today and he was sentenced to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment.
He was also disqualified from driving for 18 years and will be required to take an extended retest.
Ashman had denied the offence of causing death by dangerous driving but was found guilty on July 4, following an eight-day trial.
He was also sentenced to 12-months’ imprisonment to run consecutively to the 14-year sentence for being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
Ashman hurried away (Pictured) for the scene later asking a shop owner for a lift, claiming his car had been stolen at knife point
The cyclist who was later formally identified as Benjamin Wright, 35, sadly died at the scene (Pictured: Ashman’s wrecked Audi)
Detective Inspector David McCormack said: ‘Ashman’s actions that evening were dangerous and reckless, and he showed absolutely no regard for the law or other road users – travelling at almost double the 30mph speed limit.
‘It is clear that Ashman attempted to evade justice by leaving the scene of the collision, making up a false story of his car being stolen to persuade an innocent member of public to drive him to a friend’s address, where he then hid from officers. He has then refused to acknowledge the severity of the charge against him.
‘The family and friends of Benjamin Wright have been left truly devastated and I hope today’s result will provide them with some closure.
‘I also hope this sends a message to other motorists about the consequences of driving dangerously and at high speed.’
