Driver filmed downing 11 whiskies and jagerbombs before killing dad in crash

08 August 2023 , 19:05

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A man is seen downing 11 whiskies and Jagerbombs in a pub before driving off and killing a dad on his way home from work in a crash.

Arron Dunlop, from Eaglescliffe, Teesside, fled the scene after hitting Paul Greenfield's moped on the A1027 in Norton with the dad-of-three dying from his injuries. The 30-year-old was later tracked down at Newcastle Airport having booked a flight to Alicante in Spain.

Pictures from the scene showed a white car stationed on the road next to a police car. and the area was cordoned off with blue and white police tape. On Monday, Dunlop was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to the death of the 58-year-old by dangerous driving.

Police have now released shocking footage of Dunlop downing drinks in the pub before the fatal smash. A clip also shows his damaged Audi following the tragedy.

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Arron Dunlop was sentenced to 12 years in prison

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, outlined that just before 10pm on June 8, Paul Greenfield was driving his Honda 125 moped on the A1027 in Norton. Dunlop was behind the wheel of an Audi A5.

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Dunlop crashed into the back of Mr Greenfield's motorbike and he was 'carried on the bonnet before coming to rest on a grass verge'. Dunlop made no effort to ring emergency services or help Mr Greenfield who was 'clearly badly injured'.

Dunlop, along with a passenger in the car, fled the scene and made their way to Newcastle Airport having booked flights to Alicante in Spain. When officers arrived at the airport, Dunlop refused to give a breath sample as he'd 'had four pints at the airport'.

Dunlop fled the scene after the crash (Cleveland Police)

Mr Dodds stated that CCTV cameras were checked and showed Dunlop socialising in the George and Dragon pub, in Norton, between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. The court heard how Dunlop had enjoyed three double Southern Comforts and lemonade along with three Jagerbombs, reported TeessideLive.

Dunlop left the High Street boozer and collided with a vehicle while parking before returning to the George and Dragon to sup more Southern Comfort and lemonades and two Jagerbombs. He left the pub at 9.21pm and got behind the wheel of an Audi A5, travelling south on the A1027 and was captured travelling at "excessive speed" from Aldi's CCTV cameras. Another road user also described Dunlop as "flying past her" at an "extremely high speed".

Mr Greenfield was also on the same road, travelling from Billingham, after leaving his shift at K P Snacks. Moments later he was tragically hit as Dunlop smashed into his motorbike. CCTV captured two males - one being Dunlop - on a public footpath matching the same clothing as the males leaving the pub earlier that night. Dunlop's DNA was also found on the deployed driver's airbag.

Paul Greenfield was killed in the crash (The Gazette)

Reflecting on his sentence, Senior Investigating Officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Chris Motson, said: "I am pleased with the sentence handed to Arron Dunlop today.

"Paul was travelling home to his family after his shift at work and unfortunately he never arrived. Whilst nothing will ever bring back Paul, I hope that today's outcome will bring his family some form of comfort.

"Arron Dunlop had previously been convicted of traffic offences and on the night that he fatally injured Paul Greenfield, he had consumed alcohol whilst drinking in the pub for hours beforehand. He then got into his car and was travelling at excessive speed when Paul was tragically killed.

Police called to the crash in Norton (Terry Blackburn)

"Afterwards Dunlop made no attempt to help Paul and instead immediately abandoned the car and made off. He travelled to the airport where he attempted to leave the country to evade justice. The instant actions carried out by officers meant that he was tracked down and arrested before he could get on a flight.

"Dunlop will now spend time behind bars to consider his actions that night, which stole a loving father and husband from his family. This case is sadly one which highlights the dangers of driving whilst under the influence and driving dangerously at excess speed."