Family pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ man who died in Chesterfield crash after dangerous driver jailed
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William Ashley was behind the wheel of an Audi when it struck Simon Catterall and his wife on Saltergate on the afternoon of November 30, 2019.
Warehouse worker Simon, 36, of Enfield Road, Chesterfield, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
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Hide AdHis wife, Ismena Catterall, suffered serious injuries and was left fighting for her life in hospital.
The couple – who had only been married for three months – were crossing the road when they were struck.
On Friday, 21-year-old Ashley, of Brackenfield Close, Grassmoor, was jailed for three years after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Following sentencing at Derby Crown Court, Simon’s brother Adam said: “We don’t feel three years is enough – but whatever the sentence, nothing is going to bring back Simon.
“He was a wonderful person who is very sadly missed.
“He was an amazing brother, uncle and husband.
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Hide Ad“Simon and Ismena had only been married for three months – she made him so happy.
“They were just crossing the road and Ashley hit them at excessive speed.
“Ismena’s world has fallen apart.
“It’s an absolute tragedy.”
Adam said he and his family wanted to thank everyone for their help and support, in particular Meg Rickards and her mother who stopped to help Simon and Ismena after the crash, and Richard Howiss, of Derbyshire Constabulary’s serious collision investigation unit.
As well as jail, Ashley was disqualified from driving for eight-and-a-half years.