'Bat out of hell' driver high on laughing gas killed friend in crash

The speeding driver of a car witnesses described as moving "like a bat out of hell" before crashing and killing one of its passengers has been jailed for dangerous driving.

Ryan Evans, 27, tragically died after the Audi he was in crashed into a wall in Stockport, Greater Manchester, last year. The car was being driven by Arran Donnelly, now 28, who was reportedly seen using nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas - just two minutes before the deadly crash. The four friends were on their way to the pub when Donnelly lost control on a bend on Broadstone Road, Reddish on February 24, 2024. The car mounted the kerb and slammed into a wall, killing Mr Evans, who was sitting behind the driver. Donnelly and the two passengers on the left side escaped with injuries.

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Minshull Street Crown Court heard Donnelly was spotted driving at up to "two-and-a-half times" the speed of other vehicles, Manchester Evening News reports. Prosecuting, Fiona Clancy, said witnesses described his "aggressive acceleration" through a 30mph residential area, with one saying he drove "at least double" the limit and "like a bat out of hell". Another saw him "start to accelerate away at an alarming speed, as if the accelerator had been floored".

Mr Evans tragically died at the scene. The court heard he was due to travel to Thailand with his brother just days before the tragedy, and his family have been left "torn apart" by his "sudden and senseless loss".

Ms Clancy told the court that visibility was "clear" at the time of the crash, and that no defects were found on the road surface. Police concluded that "driver error" was most likely the cause of the crash.

The court was shown a video found on Mr Evans’ phone of Donnelly behind the wheel with a nitrous oxide balloon in his mouth at around 5.57pm, just 0.7 miles from the crash site at 5.59pm. CCTV footage captured the Audi speeding recklessly, with sparks flying as it mounted the kerb. Further footage showed the car spinning 90 degrees before its right side crashed into a wall opposite the Grey Horse pub.

At the crash site, witnesses saw the front-seat passenger "limping badly" while the passenger next to Mr Evans left the car "looking dazed". Bystanders, including a retired firefighter, tried to help Mr Evans before emergency services arrived. Donnelly was arrested by officers, who found six nitrous oxide balloons and "several large canisters" of the gas inside the car, Ms Clancy said. Prosecutors suggested the class C drug may have contributed to the crash as one balloon tested positive for Donnelly’s DNA.

Judge Usher said it could not be proven that the drug caused the crash, although Donnelly's use of laughing gas was an aggravating factor during sentencing. He said: "How can I be sure that he wasn't driving in the idiotic way that he was simply because he's an idiot, rather than the effects of the drug?"

Moving victim impact statements were read aloud on behalf of Mr Evans' family and friends. His dad, John Evans, said his "lovely" eldest son would "do anything for you if he could", while mum Eloise Mckeown described his "beautiful personality", adding: "I would give literally anything just to have a few minutes with him to know he's OK."

As the statements were read, Donnelly - wearing a black jacket, white shirt and black tie - was seen sighing, looking down and wiping away tears in the dock.

Defending, Hunter Gray said Donnelly had no previous convictions, a clean driving licence and had recently become a father. In a letter read to the court by his lawyer, Donnelly told Mr Evans' family: "I know that nothing I can say can ease the pain that I have caused. I just want you to know how truly sorry I am for the hurt and suffering I have brought into your lives."

Donnelly, of Ince Close, Heaton Norris, had previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison - serving up to half behind bars and the remainder on licence. Donnelly was also banned from driving for eight years and four months, subject to a retest.

During the sentencing, Judge Usher warned: "Driven dangerously by young men like you, cars can be - as this case sadly yet again demonstrates - as deadly as lethal weapons."

Detective Constable Alex Giblin, of Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said after the sentencing: "Donnelly's actions and driving on this day resulted in a young man tragically losing his life. Evidence found that Donnelly had been travelling at speed and consuming nitrous oxide whilst driving. I hope this sentence becomes reality for other road users who think these actions are acceptable."