Wetherby man sentenced to five years for dangerous driving

The cases were heard at Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Maria Cuzyova died in April 2019 after William Charles Jackson, 23, who was driving a Vauxhall Astra, made to overtake on a hill between Kirk Deighton and Walshford, and collided with the Volkswagen Polo she was travelling in as rear passenger.

Mrs Cuzyova’s daughter, Michaela Young who was driving the Polo and her son-in-law Nicholas Young, who was travelling as the front seat passenger, both sustained life changing injuries in the incident.

Their five-year-old daughter also sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Jackson pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and to two further counts of causing serious injury due to dangerous driving.

He was sentenced by Judge Simon Hickey at York Crown Court yesterday to five years and eight months imprisonment and was banned from driving for seven years and 10 months. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.

A victim statement read in court by Mr Young described the trauma Mrs Cuzyova’s death had had on the family both in the UK, and Slovakia where she was from.

Michaela Young, in a statement after the sentencing, said: “Mum was full of life and loved by everyone. She was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren who miss her every day. My Dad’s lost his wife of 40 years, his rock, and my Grandma her only daughter and main carer. I have lost my Mum and a best friend.

“Our family has been ripped apart and we are all utterly devastated. Both my husband and I are left with lifelong injuries that constantly remind us of the horror caused by William Jackson.”

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer Traffic Sergeant Kirsten Aldridge from the North Yorkshire Police Major Collision Investigation Team said: “My heart goes out to the Young and Cuzyova family.

“Maria had just arrived in the UK to visit her family over half term.

“They were travelling back home after spending a lovely evening together and should have been all been able to return safely.

“However, due to the irresponsible actions of Jackson and his poor decision making, they will forevermore remember that night with heartache and sorrow.”

Sgt Aldridge added: “I’d like to thank my colleagues in the Major Collision Investigation Team and Forensic Collision Investigation Unit for their hard work and determination in bringing this case to court and securing justice for the family.

“While the sentence handed to Jackson today will never bring Mrs Cuzyova back, I hope it does help the family to move forward knowing that justice has been served and Jackson will spend time behind bars for the crime he committed.

“I hope the sentence also acts as a reminder that every driver on the road has a responsibility for the safety of other drivers and road users around them.

“A poorly judged manoeuvre or a hastily thought through decision can have devastating, fatal effects. So, please drive safely and with consideration to others at all times.”