Coggeshall woman Hannah Humphrey lied to the police

Hannah Humphrey, 37, lied for boyfriend Liam O’Brien after he crashed her Range Rover in London Road, Kelvedon, on September 3 last year.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard the couple had been at Coggeshall Beer Festival and returned home to Humphrey’s house in Bobbin Close, Coggeshall, shortly before 9.30pm.

O’Brien, who has never had a driving licence, then took the keys to Humphrey’s car and drove towards the A12 at Kelvedon.

Investigation - a police car blocks London Road, Kelvedon, the day after the crash (Image: Essex Police)

The landscaper was then seen speeding at between 60mph and 67mph in residential London Road before he crashed into motorist Gary Lord, who was attempting to turn into his driveway.

CCTV footage played to Chelmsford Crown Court showed the Range Rover roll several times before coming to a stop on its side following impact.

Peter Gair, prosecuting, said O’Brien climbed out of his passenger door and walked off, before calling Humphrey.

“Miss Humphrey then called the police and claimed that her vehicle had been stolen from outside her home address,” said Mr Gair.

Jailed - Liam O'Brien has been jailed for his role in the conspiracy (Image: Essex Police)

Around two minutes after O’Brien left the scene, an Audi being driven by Max Mayo, 30, crashed into the overturned Range Rover.

Mr Mayo, from Feering, tragically died at the scene due to his injuries, while Scott Bigden, who had got out of his car to help, and pedestrian Suzanne Padbury were injured by flying debris.

A jury acquitted O’Brien of causing Mr Mayo’s death by dangerous driving and causing Mr Bigden and Ms Padbury’s injuries.

The court heard O’Brien got a lift back to Humphrey’s home before discarding his blood-stained clothes and mobile phone.

Tragic - Max Mayo died after crashing into the abandoned Range Rover (Image: Kelvedon Social FC)

David Williams, mitigating for O’Brien, said he was not aware of the severity of the crash until he was informed by the police the next day, but he now appreciates the consequences of his actions.

Humphry told the police she lied “at the behest” of O’Brien and she now realises she made a “great mistake”.

O’Brien, of Navarre Gardens, Romford, 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.

He was jailed for three years and disqualified from obtaining a driving licence for six years.

Humphrey, of Bobbin Close, Coggeshall, admitted perverting the course of justice and was handed a six month suspended prison sentence, with an unpaid work requirement of 180 hours.