Speeding motorist jailed after killing a pedestrian and his pet dog in Burnley

Carl Priestley, 38, of Granville Road, Morecambe, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Preston Crown Court following the death of John Russell his pet dog, CJ, last year.

Lancashire Police had been called at around 7.40pm on March 23 to reports of an incident at the junction of Harry Potts Way and Higgin Street.

Mr Russell, 57, had been walking with CJ, his pet Jack Russell, from Higgin Street towards Turf Moor when a silver Vauxhall Vectra collided with him.

Mr Russell, from Burnley, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital for treatment, but was later pronounced dead.

CJ was also seriously injured and later died.

Priestley, the driver of the Vauxhall, was not injured.

Officers investigating the collision found the Vectra had been travelling up to 70mph before braking and colliding with Mr Russell. The speed limit was 30mph.

PC Michael Higginson, of Lancashire Police’s Tactical Operations Unit, said: “Carl Priestley was travelling too fast – double the speed limit – in the moments before the collision. While he braked, the car failed to stop in time, fatally injuring Mr Russell and his dog, CJ.

"His actions were reckless and irresponsible.

“My thoughts remain with Mr Russell and his loved ones. I hope today's sentencing helps to bring them some closure.”

The road was closed for more than five hours while accident investigators attended the scene.

Priestley was summoned to appear at court on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty and was handed a three-year nine-month sentence.

He has been banned from driving for five years and four months.