Drug driver jailed for killing woman in 80mph crash

6 hours ago

Jonathan MorrisSouth West

CCTV footage shows Dwayne Arney in a head-on crash on Ham Drive, Plymouth

A drug driver who sped down a residential street at more than 80mph in the wrong lane has been jailed after killing a "deeply adored" grandmother outside her home, police have said.

Dwayne Arney, 34, who appeared at Plymouth Crown Court, hit Rosemary Wooldridge, 60, in her car in a head-on crash on Ham Drive, Plymouth, on 17 December 2024.

She was arriving home in her Ford Fiesta when the Audi Arney was driving veered on to the wrong side of the road and smashed into her car, said the Devon and Cornwall force.

Arney, of Middle Green, South Brent, earlier admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst unlicenced and uninsured and possession of a Class A drug, said officers. He was jailed for 12 years and banned from driving for 18 years.

News image — Dwayne Arney, 34, hit Rosemary Wooldridge in her vehicle in a head-on crash

Devon and Cornwall Police The image shows a tightly framed head-and-shoulders photograph of a person facing directly toward the camera. The central subject is a person positioned straight-on, with the face filling most of the frame. The person has short, dark hair and a full, thick beard that covers the lower part of the face, including the chin and jawline. — Dwayne Arney, 34, hit Rosemary Wooldridge in her vehicle in a head-on crash

The court heard Arney ignored his passenger's pleas to slow down in the powerful Audi A4 Quattro as he drove between 81 and 85mph in a 30mph zone. Seconds after passing a parked ambulance, he lost control.

Wooldridge suffered catastrophic injuries and died at the scene.

Arney fled, later being arrested at his home more than two miles away, where he tried to swallow a wrap of cocaine. Tests showed he was under the influence of drugs. He had no licence or insurance.

Judge Robert Linford described Arney's driving as "ludicrous" and his behaviour after the crash as "cowardly and callous".

Det Sgt Troy Bennett said after the case: "This is one of the most egregious examples of dangerous driving I have encountered in my career."

Family picture The image is a close-up, head-and-shoulders photograph of a person indoors. The person has medium-length hair that falls to around shoulder level, with darker tones near the top transitioning to lighter tones toward the ends. The hair is parted slightly to one side. The person is wearing rectangular, dark-framed glasses. — Rosemary Wooldridge, 60, was described as the heart of her family

Wooldridge's family described her as "the heart of our family, a devoted mum, a cherished daughter, a much-loved sister, a deeply adored nan, a treasured auntie, and a proud fiancée".

They said she was "full of warmth, mischief, and a love for life that made people feel instantly at ease", adding that her "daft humour" and ability to bring people together made her unforgettable to family and friends.

They added that her death had left "a loss so large it is impossible to measure", but said her "spirit, her kindness, her humour, her strength, and the love she gave so freely" will live on in those who knew her.