Last summer a wet-road collision changed lives when Issac Calderon crashed into Elizabeth Donowhoʼs car near Shucknall. The 22-year old Texan who worked as an interpreter showed poor judgement on British roads (having bought his car just a week before the incident)
The inexperienced driver didnt understand UK road signs and struggled with manual transmission; his speed reached about 70mph in a 50mph zone. A dash-cam caught his Honda Accord hitting the nurses Mercedes head-on after a risky over-taking move
Donowho – a 56-year old mental health professional suffered multiple fractures including: broken ankles sternum and right hand. She hasnt returned to her hospital work since that day. The young American got away with just a broken arm
It was the sort of driving one expects from arrogant young boy racers. This was an appalling piece of driving
Instead of facing charges in Britain last fall Calderon flew back to Texas – but law caught up with him. After US authorities helped with extradition he got a 32-month jail term plus two-year driving ban at Worcester Crown Court today
- Failed to get insurance for his car
- Admitted to vaping while driving
- Said he was “playing follow-the-leader“
- Expressed being “really sorry“ to the nurse
The Crown Prosecution worked with US officials to bring the run-away driver to justice – proving that cross-border escape doesnt guarantee freedom from responsibility