Steven Naylor, 41, was driving at speeds of up to 120mph on the M62 in Merseyside in April 2021 when he collided with the back of 23-year-old motorcyclist Owen Baugh. The impact threw Baugh into the road, where he was struck by another vehicle and killed.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Naylor, supported by his wife Lisa, 40, exaggerated his injuries to avoid prosecution. He claimed a serious brain injury had left him unable to walk properly and that he lacked the capacity to provide a blood sample while unconscious in hospital.
However, police later uncovered evidence that contradicted these claims. Footage showed Naylor playing rugby, shopping, attending festivals, going on boat trips, and giving speeches at family events. He was also seen restoring a car, kayaking, and holidaying in Dublin. Other clips revealed him feigning difficulty walking with a crutch while under police supervision.
The court heard that the couple continued to misrepresent his abilities even during police interviews in 2023 and 2024. During one bodycam recording, Mrs Naylor told officers: “There might be too many people. He’s got a brain injury so he can get a bit overwhelmed.”
Naylor had previously been cleared of failing to provide a blood sample after a psychiatrist testified he had been “distressed” and “hyperventilating” at the time. However, the discovery of video evidence showing his active lifestyle led to fresh charges.
In addition to causing death by dangerous driving, Naylor was convicted of perverting the course of justice. His wife admitted the same offence and was sentenced to 54 months in prison.
Prosecutors described the couple’s actions as “dishonest by exaggerating the ongoing effects of his undoubtedly serious injuries,” while the court highlighted the deliberate attempts to evade accountability.
