Kelvedon London Road crash witness tells of chaotic scene

Liam O’Brien’s vehicle was lying on its side in London Road, Kelvedon, after he struck a Peugeot on September 3 last year.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard motorists got out of their cars to help while O’Brien, who had been driving at between 60mph and 67mph, climbed out the window and ran off.

Two minutes later, Max Mayo, 30, crashed into the Range Rover at 100mph afer overtaking stationary vehicles belonging to those helping at the scene.

Fatal crash - popular amateur footballer Max Mayo (Image: Kelvedon Social FC)

Mr Mayo, who was double the legal alcohol limit and four times over the cocaine driving limit, tragically died at the scene at about 9.40pm.

Scott Bigden, who was helping at the scene, was struck by debris and airlifted to hospital while Suzanne Padbury, who was walking home, also suffered a laceration from an airborne car part.

Tom Hardingham, of Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told the jury the police had not found any evidence to suggest O’Brien and Mr Mayo knew each other or were racing.

O’Brien, 33, is accused of causing the death of Mr Mayo and injuries to Mr Bigden and Ms Padbury.

Investigation - a police car guards London Road in Kelvedon the morning after the crash (Image: Essex Police)

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said if the defendant had not crashed as a result of driving “dangerously”, there would not have been an obstacle for Mr Mayo to crash into.

A London Road resident who rushed to Mr Mayo’s aid said the casualty initially “murmured” and had a pulse but his condition rapidly deteriorated and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He said the damage caused to the Range Rover and Mr Mayo's Audi was "ten out of ten".

A motorist who stopped at the scene said it was too late for the amateur footballer to brake because of his speed.

The Club are devastated to report the passing of one of our players, Max Mayo, who tragically passed away on Saturday evening.
A top player but an even better guy who was loved by all that knew him. We were honoured and privileged to not only call him our teammate but our good... pic.twitter.com/oacTZxOE1A

— Hatfield Peverel FC (@HPFC_1903) September 5, 2022

“I was shocked by what happened, it was like something out of a movie,” she said.

O’Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, denies causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He has admitted charges of perverting the course of justice, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, failing to stop after an accident, failing to report an accident and dangerous driving.

• The trial continues.