On April 10, 2022, Mason Hodgson, 23, was recorded reaching speeds of over 90mph moments before he tragically killed 20-year-old Sam Harding, a budding semi-professional footballer. The incident occurred in Warrington during an unauthorized car meet attended by hundreds.

Hodgson, driving his black Audi S3, was reported to have hit speeds of up to 97mph in a 30mph zone. In the chaotic moments leading up to the collision, he struck Harding, propelling him ten feet into the air, resulting in severe head injuries from which he later succumbed.

Cheshire Police released CCTV footage showcasing Hodgson's reckless driving in the moments preceding the crash. The footage highlighted that Hodgson could not brake in time after seeing Harding in the road due to his excessive speed.

Evidence gathered during the investigation included statements from 95 witnesses, hundreds of hours of CCTV, and footage from Hodgson's mobile phone, which revealed a pattern of dangerous driving behavior, including competitive driving on public roads.

Details presented at Liverpool Crown Court indicated that the car meet was taking place on an industrial estate in Woolston, Warrington, which attracted several hundred participants, including Sam Harding who was enjoying the event with friends.

Sadly, as Hodgson raced down Kingsland Grange, a stretch limited to 30mph, Harding stepped into the road. Emergency services were summoned to the scene, and Hodgson was arrested shortly thereafter.

Sam Harding, from Stockport, was described as a 'talented footballer' and a coach to numerous local children. Following a thorough investigation, Hodgson was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, to which he pleaded guilty.

On November 19, 2022, he was sentenced to eight years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court, alongside a driving ban for 10 years and 4 months.

Sergeant Simon Degg of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Cheshire Police commented on the case, stating: “Samuel was a bright and talented young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He went to Warrington to enjoy a fun night out with friends, while Hodgson was intent on showing off his driving skills.”

Degg emphasized the irresponsibility of Hodgson's actions, highlighting the tragedy of Harding's senseless death due to reckless driving, and hoped the sentencing would provide some closure to Harding's grieving family.