Man behind bars after causing death by dangerous driving

A man has been sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Christopher Latham, 37 (DOB 01/03/1987) of Princes Gate, London, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday (18 November).

At 3am on Sunday, 9 June 2024, Latham was driving at extreme speed when he collided with a lamppost and a brick wall on Buxton Lane roundabout at the junction with Salmons Lane in Caterham. 

He had three passengers in the car at the time; one of whom, a woman in her 30s, tragically died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics. A second woman in her 30s also suffered multiple fractures.

Following the collision, police received two automated calls, one from the vehicle emergency system and one from Latham’s phone. Through the call, Latham could be heard offering someone money to help him get away from the scene.

Latham subsequently fled the scene of the collision but through police enquires, we identified Latham had travelled to Manchester where he was located and arrested.

Extensive work by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit tracked Latham’s car prior to the collision and analysis of CCTV footage indicated he was driving at a speed of at least 70mph in a 30mph zone. The team worked tirelessly to ensure Latham was charged just two days after his arrest and remanded in custody.

Detective Sergeant Ben Grilli said: “This is a tragic case of a completely avoidable death on our roads which has left a family without their loved one. I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that if you get behind the wheel of a car and drive dangerously, the consequences can be catastrophic.”