Liam O'Brien cleared of causing Max Mayo's death in Kelvedon

Max Mayo, 30, died after he crashed into Liam O’Brien’s overturned Range Rover in London Road, Kelvedon, on September 3 last year.

O’Brien, 33, had flipped his car after crashing into a Peugeot while driving at between 60mph and 67mph at about 9.30pm.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard he then climbed out through the window and ran off towards Kelvedon High Street.

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

Amateur footballer Mr Mayo, from Feering, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, then crashed into the overturned vehicle while driving at 100mph and died at the scene.

The debris from the Range Rover and Mr Mayo’s Audi struck Scott Bigden, who had got out of his car to help, and Suzanne Padbury, who was walking home.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said if the defendant had not crashed due to his “dangerous” driving, Mr Mayo would not have had an object to crash into.

But a jury rejected the prosecution’s case and cleared O’Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, of causing death by dangerous driving and two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Tragic - amateur footballer Max Mayo (Image: Kelvedon Social FC)

O’Brien was warned by Judge Timothy Walker a prison sentence is still likely, having already admitted other offences from the night in question.

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

His girlfriend Hannah Humphrey, 36, of Bobbin Close, Coggeshall, has admitted perverting the course of justice in relation to the investigation.

The couple will both be sentenced at the same court on September 12.

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

Judge Walker said: “Custody will be at the forefront of the court’s mind when I come to deal with you.”

Following Mr Mayo’s death, Hatfield Peverel FC Tweeted: “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 friend.”

An inquest found he died of severe chest injuries.