TWO West Yorkshire drivers who were racing each other moments before causing a crash which killed another motorist have been jailed.

Simon Hinchliffe, 53, from Kirkburton, near Huddersfield, was killed at the scene of the collision which happened on Huddersfield Road, Kirkburton, on October 9, 2020, when a Seat Ibiza, being driven by Darren Rowe, ran into the back of his white Citroen Berlingo van.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Simon HinchliffeSimon Hinchliffe (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

Moments earlier, Rowe, who was found to be three times over the cannabis limit and hit speeds of up to 90mph on the 40mph road, and Jordan Watkiss, were seen speeding along nearby roads.

After the crash, Rowe fled the scene, leaving his five-year-old child alone in the car.

He returned some time later and was accompanied by a completely innocent vulnerable female who he tried to claim was behind the wheel when the collision took place. 

Rowe had even rubbed some of his blood onto the woman to fake the appearance of injuries in a bid to convince police she was the driver.

The court was told Watkiss, who it is believed did not know Rowe, had been driving at between 70 and 75 mph seconds before the collision.

Though his Skoda Fabia did not collide with Simon’s van or any other vehicle, it was determined that his actions in racing with Rowe directly contributed to the collision.

A forensic investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team, assisted by Roads Policing officers, proved that Rowe was the driver after his DNA was found on the steering wheel and airbag.

Rowe, 36, of Alton Avenue, Dalton, Huddersfield, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving and attempting to pervert the course of justice, was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court today.

He was banned from driving for seven years and six months.

Watkiss, 22, of Ings Mill Drive, Clayton West, Huddersfield, who was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a trial by jury, was jailed for four years and six months.

He was also banned from driving for six years.

Detective Constable Simon Marshall of West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team said: “My thoughts remain with Simon's family and although this sentence will not bring him back or make up for their devastating loss, I hope that it brings some small comfort to them. 

“This was a wholly avoidable tragedy that came about due to the reckless and dangerous actions of these two men."