Man jailed for causing deaths of two people in collision in Harold Wood

Paul Ballard pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving (Credit: Metropolitan Police)

A man has been jailed for causing the deaths of two people in a collision in Harold Wood. 

Paul Ballard, 39, of Brentwood, hit two pedestrian and seven vehicles with a black Volkswagen Golf in Squirrels Heath Road at 1.15pm on 20 February 2020. 

64-year-old Eileen Haskell, who was a passenger in one of the vehicles, and 48-year-old Richard Trezise, a pedestrian, both died at the scene. 

Richard Trezise (Credit: Metropolitan Police)

The Old Bailey heard how Ballard’s car struck the rear of Eileen Haskell’s vehicle with such force it caused it to be lifted onto another vehicle. 

It then spun through a bus stop and hit Richard Trezise who was standing with his family. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in a front garden. 

Six other people were injured and taken to hospital. They were all later discharged. 

Ballard pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment on Wednesday, 11 August. 

He was also banned from driving for 11-and-a-half years. 

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden, of the Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This horrific collision, involving multiple vehicles, occurred from Ballard’s sheer reckless and selfish driving.

“His actions that afternoon were totally unnecessary and have taken two people’s lives, causing unimaginable sorrow to two families.

“My deepest sympathies remain with Eileen and Richard’s families.”

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