Overview
- Anthony Burns, 63, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on 13 January to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 10 years, serving at least two-thirds.
- CCTV and roadside data showed he maintained about 56mph despite advisory reductions to 50mph then 40mph and a lane closure for an earlier incident, applying brakes only one second before the collision.
- The victims, Ryanair pilots Jamie Fernandes, 24, and Matthew Greenhalgh, 28, were in a taxi heading toward Liverpool John Lennon Airport and were pronounced dead at the scene.
- Cheshire Police and the CPS urged motorists to heed motorway warning signs; investigators found no evidence of drink, drugs or phone use, and Burns gave no explanation in interview.
- Sentencing reports differ on his driving ban, with the CPS stating a 150‑month disqualification while other outlets report a six‑year ban on release with an extended retest.