She left a man to die then lied to save her own skin

Anya Foster of Gloucester Street, St Helens, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for two separate controlled substances, driving while unfit through drugs, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report a collision.
-Credit: (Image: Merseyside Police)


A woman left a man to die and then wove a web of lies to police. Anya Foster, 32, was driving a Skoda Fabia on Friday, December 1 last year when she struck David Burrows, 59, who was riding a pedal bike on Islands Brow, close to its junction with Hinckley Road in St Helens.

David, who was from St Helens, was taken to hospital for treatment but died of his injuries shortly after the crash. Instead of staying at the scene to help David, Foster drove off.

Following enquiries she was arrested later that same day, having driven home and was subsequently charged with the offences. Foster, of Gloucester Street, St Helens, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving while over the prescribed limit for two separate controlled substances, driving while unfit through drugs, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report a collision.

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Foster was sentenced to six years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, November 5. Detective Sergeant Simon Duffy from the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Foster’s reckless and selfish driving resulted in the death of an innocent man whilst he was riding to work, completely devastating his family.

“Not only did Foster cause the crash, but rather than stop at the scene to help David and face the consequences of her actions, she chose to flee and began to weave a web of lies. Our investigation proved that Foster attempted to mislead officers at multiple stages. We have worked tirelessly to establish the full facts and Foster has now been held accountable for her actions.

David Burrows, 59, from the Blackbrook area, was riding a bike on Islands Brow, when he was hit by a car
David Burrows, 59, from the Blackbrook area, was riding a bike on Islands Brow, when he was hit by a car -Credit:Merseyside Police

“Our thoughts remain firmly with David’s family and friends as they continue to deal with the devastating outcome of this heartbreaking incident every day. The sentencing comes as Merseyside Police prepares for its annual drink and drug driving campaign, Op Limit.

"The operation will see dedicated patrols focusing on removing selfish drivers from our roads who choose to drink alcohol or take drugs before getting behind the wheel. My message to those who choose to drive whilst under the influence is this: you are not only putting your own life and your own future at risk, but also the lives of innocent people. Is it really worth risking your own life and the lives others?”