‘Idiot’ driver who killed father-of-three after drunkenly driving over him before trying to set his car on fire to cover his tracks is jailed for nine years

• Scott Freeth, the driver, was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison

A drunk driver who killed a father-of-three and then tried to set his car on fire to cover his tracks has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice. 

Scott Freeth was ‘driving like an idiot’, according to his own friends, when he crashed into David Clegg, who was returning from a night out in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, on June 19, 2021.

Freeth, 33, admitted having fled the scene before desperately trying to set his Mercedes Sprinter van on fire to avoid being caught. 

The following day, however, he confessed to the crime – and has now been jailed, sentenced on Thursday at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Victim David Clegg leaves behind a 16-year-old daughter. Her mother died years before. 

‘Waking up to be told that my dad had been killed not only devastated me, but ruined my life, my future and my plans,’ said daughter Casey.

Scott Freeth, from Dukinfield, who was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving, at a hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on July 27, 2023

David Clegg, 56, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision on Lees Road, Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, on 19 June 2021

Freeth had been out driving with two friends from about 10pm on Saturday, June 19, 2021.

His friends told him to slow down, which he did for a period before speeding up again. 

Freeth was said to be driving at ‘excessive speed’, overtaking on single carriageways, and at one point he went through a red light.

Meanwhile, Clegg had been enjoying a night in Royal Oak pub, in Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne, with some friends. 

He left the venue at about 11.45pm and was hit as he crossed the road, Freeth driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone.

‘He had absolutely no chance,’ said sentencing judge Bernadette Baxter. 

Freeth then fled the scene and tried to set his van on fire.

The following day, Freeth called his mother and then a friend, who both told him to hand himself in.

He eventually he did and made ‘full admissions’ to the police.

After the hearing, Mr Clegg’s daughter Casey, now aged 16, and 14 at the time of her father’s death, said:  ‘It was completely out of the blue and I didn’t expect it at all. 

‘It has impacted my life by not being able to grow up with my dad.

‘He won’t see me grow up or be able to see his grandkids and it really upsets me. Father’s Day, birthdays, Christmases and even New Year’s Eve have completely changed. 

‘Father’s Day is the worst of all of them, because I can’t be with him.’

Freeth pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and attempting to pervert the course of justice. 

He was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison, and will serve two-thirds of his sentence behind bars. 

He was also banned from driving for 14 years and two months.

Lees Road, Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, scene of a fatal hit-and-run collision on 19 June 2021

Sergeant Matt Waggett, investigating officer for GMP, said today: ‘I would like to express of behalf of myself and Greater Manchester Police my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Clegg following this tragedy and thank them for their understanding and patience while my team and I progressed the criminal investigation and brought this case to this point. 

‘His family have shown the greatest of strength throughout this case.

‘Freeth admitted his crimes and has now been sentenced for his irresponsible and selfish actions, and for his deliberate and calculated efforts to disguise his crime in an attempt to avoid detection.

‘While the sentence given will never bring Mr Clegg back to his family, I hope that it will provide some comfort to them, and reassure the wider public as a dangerous driver is removed from society.’

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