In a poignant courtroom scene, Tom Benson's mother sat in the witness box, wearing a red heart on her top. The family, emotional and tearful, looked on as she addressed Alicia Fairclough, who was convicted of her partner's death: “The truth is Tom is dead and your actions caused that, Alicia.”

Alicia Fairclough, who had driven the vehicle during the fatal accident, hung her head in the glass dock. A month after her conviction, the sentencing would reveal her fate.

On the fateful night in November 2021, Tom's family had attended a friend's wedding at Rivington Barn. They decided to leave, with Fairclough taking the wheel of the Audi A8 despite Tom being 'drunk'.

While driving, Fairclough reached speeds of 78mph and averaged 60mph in a 30mph zone before crashing into a tree. Tom, aged 36, suffered catastrophic injuries and sadly died, while Fairclough was seriously injured and unable to remember the events leading up to the crash.

During the sentencing hearing on January 23, Tom’s parents delivered heart-wrenching statements about their loss. His mother, Lydia Benson, expressed: “I have waited three long years to sit here in court to be the voice for my son Tom. No parent should have to say goodbye to their child.”

She reminisced about the painful day they learned of Tom’s death, noting the despair and questions that lingered. Lydia had to break the news to Tom's children while grappling with her grief.

Reflecting on the trauma experienced by her grandchildren, she stated, “It is an understatement to say they have suffered life-changing traumatic events.”

Lydia continued to share her son’s positive demeanor and how significantly his death impacted her life, stating she had to retire from her teaching career due to the emotional toll. “This has taken three years to come to this in this courtroom, and the truth should be heard,” she declared.

Addressing Alicia, she reiterated: “Tom was a great man and a great father and these memories deserve to be shown to his children.”

Tom’s father, Tony, also spoke, sharing gratitude for the hospital staff who cared for his grandchildren. “Trauma and sadness are still hanging over our family,” he said, breaking into tears over the loss of his best friend.

Fairclough maintained her innocence regarding the crash but was convicted of death by dangerous driving.

Judge Patrick Field KC, during sentencing, reflected on the broader impact of Tom's death, stating: “He was a piece of a much larger continent of family and friends who each have suffered, in their own way, with profound loss.”

Considering the welfare of Tom's children, for whom Fairclough was the sole carer, the judge suspended her jail term. Fairclough, of Fairways, Horwich, received a two-year suspended sentence and was mandated to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity. Additionally, she was banned from driving for three years and required to take an extended driving retest before regaining her license.