A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after popular rugby league coach Cliff Tamou suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car on the M6.
Tamou’s HGV had broken down between junctions 15 and 16 on the southbound lane. Upon stepping out of the lorry he was struck by a Toyota Avensis driven by a 22-year-old man from Dudley, who has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Tamou, who was a father to six children and had five grandchildren, was originally from New Zealand. The 58-year-old had moved to the UK over 30 years ago and had settled in Wigan. He was well known in community rugby league circles, and much respected as both a referee and coach. Tributes have been paid by a number of local rugby teams. A spokesperson for the Salford Red Devils women’s squad, which counts Tamou’s daughter among its members, described him as an “avid supporter” of the team.
When defendants are charged with causing death by dangerous driving, solicitors with experience in the field are often required to help them through the complex legal process. Sound legal advice helps defendants navigate the court system and receive the fairest outcome.
In UK law, causing death by dangerous driving is a very serious offence. The minimum sentence is a five-year disqualification from driving, but most cases will attract a custodial sentence, and in some particularly serious cases, the defendant may face life imprisonment.