Mansfield Woodhouse drug-driver locked up after killing father and toddler in horrific crash

Sutton businessman John Woodcock, aged 44, and son Lewis were killed after their car was hit as they were coming home from a day with family.

John, known to his family and friends as Dan, and Lewis were travelling along Chesterfield Road North, Pleasley, on January 15, 2022, just after 6pm, when an Audi driven by James Gibson hit their vehicle side-on.

It flipped in the air and landed wedged between another car and a wall.

Gibson, aged 31, had been driving on the opposite side of the road, reaching speeds of up to 82mph in a 30mph zone. He also had cannabis and alcohol in his system.

After running a red light and undertaking vehicles, it was then that Gibson veered into the centre of the carriageway and struck a concrete pedestrian crossing.

Dan’s car was travelling on the opposite side of the road with his son in a car seat in the rear when Gibson came onto their side of the road and hit their car.

Gibson is today beginning a 12-year jail sentence after admitting two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been handed an 18-year driving ban.

Nottinghamshire Police said a car behind Dan’s, with a family of three inside, was also hit. They were left with minor injuries, but emotionally traumatised by witnessing the crash and aftermath

The force said Gibson’s impairment caused by the cannabis in his system would have been increased due to him also having alcohol in his system at the time, although he was under the drink-drive limit.

A forensic collision investigator established Gibson had travelled through a red light, undertaken vehicles and consistently exceeded the 30mph speed limit reaching speeds of up to 82mph – with speeds of 75mph and 52mph also recorded as Gibson drove along 30mph roads before his journey ended in tragedy.

Gibson, of Mapletoft Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, had to be cut from his car by firefighters and had multiple broken bones.

Throughout the investigation he stated he could not recall what happened.

Investigator Louise Melbourne, from Nottinghamshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit said: “Gibson’s driving and actions on this day took a well-loved husband, son, brother, friend, and adored grandchild from their family and friends.

“No family should ever have to go through what their family has and still goes through daily. And that suffering was completely avoidable.

“Gibson got behind the wheel of his car not only with alcohol in his system but drugs too.

“Not content with that, his manner of driving, reaching speeds nearly three times the limit, running a red light, and overtaking cars putting countless drivers at risk showed his complete disregard not only for his own safety but innocent members of the public too.

“I want to send a strong reminder to anyone thinking about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after taking drugs or drinking – think of Dan and Lewis, and the utter devastation you could cause by your selfish actions.

“Don’t be that person - catch a taxi or ask a friend to drive you. Nothing is worth risking your life or the life of another”