Woman killed her partner in high speed crash after leaving wedding party

Alicia Fairclough, now 35, had been at the party with Thomas Benson, a well-known publican around Horwich, on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

More than three years on Fairclough was brought before Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of causing the crash the left Mr Benson dead, and their children without a father.

Prosecutor Joe Boyd said: “It was that Saturday evening that the defendant and Thomas Benson deceased where at the wedding party at Rivington Barn outside Bolton.”

He added: “She had been observed by witnesses drinking throughout the course of the day.”

The case was heard at Manchester Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss) But Mr Boyd accepted there was no evidence she had been over the legal limit for alcohol. 

Mr Boyd told the court how they left at around 9.45pm with Fairclough driving, Mr Benson in the front seat and the two children along Lever Park Avenue on the way home.

Around 300 metres from the tree they had been calculated to have been speeding at 78mph in a 30mph zone and then at 70mph when they were within 100m.

Mr Boyd said: “Such was the collision that when the vehicle came into contact with the tree it was being driven in excess of 60mph.”

Tragically despite the bravery of passers-by, Mr Benson was killed by the crash while Fairclough herself suffered brain injuries that left her with no memory of the lead up to the incident.

After a trial late last year Fairclough was found guilty by a jury of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle. 

Mr Benson was a well known publican (Image: Public) The court listened on in silence as victim impact statements were read out by Mr Benson’s bereaved parents Lydia and Tony.

Lydia Benson said: “We have waited three long years to give a voice to our son Tom.”

She said the “sadness and grief” she, and the rest of Mr Benson’s family had felt since that fatal day had been coupled with “unanswered questions” and the devastation caused to his children. 

Mrs Benson spoke movingly of “a great man and a great father” who had been widely respected and a great source of support to his friends.

Addressing the defendant directly she said: “The truth is Tom is dead Alicia, and your actions caused his death.”

Giving his statement, Mr Benson’s father Tony gave his thanks to the jury, CPS and police for convicting Fairclough and praised the bravery of witnesses and emergency staff at the scene. 

But he also spoke of the “never-ending heartbreak” of losing his son and “best friend” Thomas at the age of 36.

Mr Benson said Fairclough’s driving had caused the tragedy that evening but there were “no winners in this tragic incident.”

David James, defending, acknowledged the “sensitivity and enormity” of the case but pointed to a range of character references in Fairclough’s favour and a letter she had written to the judge.  

He said that the loss of Mr Benson had been “devastating” for all those who had known him, including Fairclough herself, and that the pair had planned to marry in June 2022.

Mr James told the court that Fairclough was hardworking and had been involved in charities in the past, including raising money through sponsorships for Bolton Hospice.

He said: “She is a lady who works to assist others and particularly children who have less benefits than others.”

Judge Patrick Field KC acknowledged these points but reminded the court of the devastation Fairclough’s actions had wrought that fateful day.

He said: “Like so many cases of causing death by dangerous driving, this case represents an absolute tragedy.” 

Judge Field evoked Mr Benson’s father’s words about the case when he said there were “no winners in all of this.”

He said: “That day started as a joyous day when you, Thomas and your children attended a friend’s wedding at Rivington Barn.”

Judge Field accepted that Fairclough had not intended to commit any crime when she got into the car that night and that the issue was entirely “one of speed“.

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He said Mr Benson’s death had shown how “no man is an island” and reminded her of how his loved ones had lost a son, brother and a “good and loyal friend”.

Judge Field also accepted that Mr Benson removing his seatbelt had “contributed to the tragedy” and that jailing Fairclough would cause further devastation to her children.

He sentenced her to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Judge Field also banned Fairclough, of Fairways, Horwich, from driving for three years ahead of taking an extended retest.  

Source – INDIA TV