Family pay tribute to former rugby player following sentencing

The family of a former professional rugby player who died following a fatal road traffic collision in 2021 have paid tribute to him after the sentencing of the defendant.

Liam Walsh was involved in a collision on Cronton Lane, Widnes, just before midnight on Saturday 18 September 2021.

The 23-year-old was stood in the road attempting to flag down what he believed to be a taxi.

However, the vehicle he was trying to stop was actually a red Vauxhall Corsa driven by Glyn Davies, who went on to collide with Liam.

Liam was rushed to hospital but sadly he passed away a few hours later with his family beside him.

Davies was charged in connection to the incident and subsequently pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.
The 59-year-old, of Deepdale, Widnes, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 26 September where he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 2 years.

Liam’s family are understandably devastated and have said;

“What happened that day was totally avoidable, but due to the actions of one man, Liam has been taken from us forever. No sentence will ever make up for our loss and nothing will bring him back.

“Liam was a considerate and caring young man who touched the hearts and enriched the lives of everyone who knew him.

“He was dedicated to his partner and any spare time Liam had was spent with his family and friends as this is what was important to him.

“He was a kind, gentle soul with the biggest heart, he lit up any room he walked into and he was a true gentleman. It was a pleasure and an honour to have him in our lives for his 23 years and we will now and forever be proud of him.

“His passing left a gaping hole in our family that will never be filled, he will never be forgotten, and words cannot describe how much he is missed.”

In addition to his suspended prison sentence Davies was also banned from driving for five years, ordered to complete 20 days rehabilitation and handed a four month electronic curfew between 8pm and 6am.