Speeding driver who caused head-on crash in Glossop is jailed

Witnesses say he was travelling between 70mph and 80mph before the crash

Author: Amelia SalmonsPublished 14th Aug 2025
Last updated 21st Aug 2025

A speeding driver who injured two people in a head-on crash in Glossop has been jailed.

Witnesses say John Wilds was travelling between 70mph and 80mph before the crash, which occurred on Dinting Road.

He overtook several stationary cars at a set of temporary traffic lights when he ran head-on into a car, whilst the lights were on red.

The force sent the car into the air before it landed on its side. Both the driver and passenger had to be cut free from the car.

The driver needed emergency surgery and spent a lengthy period of time in hospital after the collision.

John Wilds was subsequently charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The 38-year-old from Glossop was jailed for four years after pleading guilty.

He was also banned from driving for six years and must take an extended retest at the end of his disqualification.

PC Lisa Callaghan, who led the investigation, said: “Wilds’ driving on this day fell well below the standard expected and was not only reckless but incredibly dangerous.

“Within just a few minutes of this crash happening, children began making their way home from a nearby school so his appalling driving could have had even greater consequences.

“His actions left two people seriously injured and they will have to deal with the trauma caused by this incident for many years to come.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions that day as well as the impact on the victims involved.

“Dangerous driving puts lives at risk and will be dealt with robustly.

“I’m pleased with this sentence and hope it will bring some closure for the victims as well as making the local community feel a little safer knowing Wilds has been taken off the roads for some time to come.”

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