Police told about drunk driver before fatal A55 crash

The Independent Office for Police Conduct carried out an investigation into Cheshire Constabulary’s handling of the case, and Ch Insp Daniel Reynolds, of the force, said it was accepted that there had been failings.

But he added that improvements had been made to call-handling training and response co-ordination.

Mr Gittins, who recorded narrative conclusions in the cases of both men, said he was concerned about an apparent acceptance that no-one had responded to the call to look out for Mr Butler’s car.

He added that he was also concerned staff might not be receiving the training introduced since the tragedy.

Toxicology tests showed that Mr Butler had 370 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood – more than four times over the legal limit.

Mr Brett, a father-of-two, had been driving to Chester with his wife Nicola to celebrate her birthday at the time of the crash.