Driver accused of killing friend, 21, in Yorkshire crash near Rosedale Abbey is on the run ahead of trial

Grace Newton
By Grace Newton
Published 20th Mar 2023, 15:08 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2023, 15:09 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A driver accused of killing his friend in a collision in the North York Moors National Park has absconded ahead of his trial.

Shane Finn, 21, was travelling in an Audi A3 when it crashed on Knott Road near Rosedale Abbey in May 2020. The father-of-one from Middlesbrough was taken to hospital but died from his injuries.

Ewan Aaron Lennant Corbett, 24, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance in relation to the incident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, on Monday York Crown Court heard that Corbett, also from Middlesbrough, is currently ‘outside of police jurisdiction’ and an application for a warrant for his arrest has been made to Leeds Magistrates Court. Social media posts suggest Corbett has been living in Thailand.

Shane Finn was 21 when he died in the crash in 2020Shane Finn was 21 when he died in the crash in 2020
Shane Finn was 21 when he died in the crash in 2020

The hearing, attended by both the prosecution barrister and Corbett’s defence counsel, was told that Corbett also faces a further allegation of dangerous driving in relation to an incident in November 2021, after Mr Finn’s death. He was caught on CCTV and identified by two police officers, but answered ‘no comment’ in his interviews and indicated a plea of not guilty to Teesside Magistrates Court.

Both counsels agreed that the two charges could be tried together by the same court and the case, which could still go ahead in his absence if Corbett remains at large, has been adjourned until April 24.