A MAN has been jailed after leaving a woman dying in the road following a collision in Trafford.

Laurence Crossan, 28, of no fixed address, has been sentenced today (Wednesday, September 5) at Manchester Crown Court to seven years and four months for causing the death of a 24-year-old Sale woman in Chester Road in June.

Crossan pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and failing to report a road traffic collision.

Shortly before 9.25pm on Thursday, June 28 2018, 24-year-old Emma Galton was walking along Chester Road when she began to cross at a pedestrian crossing.

After waiting until the lights had changed, Emma began walking across the road.

But Crossan continued driving his Ford Mondeo and drove straight into her.

Crossan fled the scene immediately, despite knowing that he had hit a pedestrian with his car.

Ms Galton died from her injuries while lying in the road.

After extensive enquiries and media appeals for the driver to come forward, Crossan handed himself in at Cheadle Heath Police Station on Sunday, July 1, and was promptly arrested.

But despite handing himself in, Crossan refused to account for his actions and gave 'no comment' answers throughout his questioning.

Inspector Danny Byrne of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Laurence Crossan showed absolutely no concern for Emma Galton as he left her dying in the middle of the road after hitting her with his car.

“Rather than try to help Emma, he cared only for himself.

"Crossan fled the scene of the crime, abandoned the vehicle and went on the run, leaving behind a young woman with a promising life ahead of her.

“No length of sentence can ever replace someone’s life, but I hope today’s result will bring some comfort to Emma’s grieving family knowing that Crossan has been brought to justice.

“I also hope this case highlights that if you choose to drive dangerously and show no regard for the life and safety of others, we will do everything in our power to ensure you are held to account.”

Ms Galton's family welcomed the sentencing but expressed disappointment at the prospect of Crossan being released in just three and a half years.

A statement, read on their behalf, said: “Emma was an amazing and wonderful young woman, who was only just starting out her career after finishing university in Chester, where she obtained a 2.1 degree in Spanish.

"She had a bright future and was looking forward to working and travelling in Madrid.

“Like any young person, you are expecting to look forward to a long life ahead of you.

“As parents, you never expect your own children to go before you. It is not the natural order of things.

“Emma was well known at university for supporting other students who needed a friend, advice or comfort.

"She was a great person who brought so much joy and happiness into ours and others lives.

"We are devastated and heartbroken.

“From our family’s perspective, we appreciate the judge sentencing Laurence Crossan within the guidelines.

"We are disappointed that he could be out in three and a half years, but we appreciate the judge’s summing up remarks and believe that he did all in his powers to help us within the constraints of sentencing guidelines.

“We sincerely hope that Laurence Crossan will genuinely reflect on his behaviour whilst in custody and turn his life around on his release.”