Duo jailed for Celia’s death

Dec 4 2008 by Adrian Short, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

TWO convicted crack dealers have been handed lengthy jail sentences for killing Widnes teacher Celia Ross in a car crash as she drove to school on GCSE day.

John Parry, 21, of Gourley Road, Old Swan, was jailed for 11 years by Warrington Crown Court on Monday. He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by dangerous driving while uninsured and possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

His accomplice and passenger Kenneth Proffitt, 23, of Mafeking Close Wavertree, was jailed for six years after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving while uninsured, and possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

Parry also received a 15-year driving ban.

Mum-of-three Celia, 49, from Christleton, was an ICT teacher at The Bankfield School.

She died as she drove to the school on August 21. Her Mondeo was involved in a crash with a Vectra driven by Parry at the junction of Liverpool Road and Lowerhouse Lane.

Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Justice has been served and these sentences reflect the gravity of this tragic case.

“The conviction and sentence of these two men will help provide Celia’s family with a degree of closure in regard to her death.”