A young driver, Liberty Mitchell, has been given an extended prison term of three years after she recorded herself driving at nearly 100mph, resulting in a fatal crash that claimed two lives. Mitchell, who was only 21 and had recently obtained her driver’s license, caused the tragic incident by speeding at 96mph in a 60mph zone, attempting to pass three cars on the wrong side of the road in her Mini Cooper.
The accident occurred in December 2022 on the B4425 near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire, where Mitchell collided, causing a pile-up that led to the deaths of taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger Moyra Whelan. Following her initial sentencing of six years and eight months in February, the case was referred to the Court of Appeal by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The court subsequently increased Mitchell’s sentence to nine years and three months after deeming the initial punishment too lenient.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, Ms. Reeves stated that Mitchell’s reckless behavior resulted in the loss of lives and severe injuries for many individuals. Mitchell had previously shared videos of herself speeding on social media, demonstrating a disregard for the safety of others. She was charged with multiple offenses, including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death while driving uninsured.
During the trial, it was revealed that victims of the crash suffered various injuries, ranging from fractured hips to severe abdominal wounds. Nicola Cooper, a survivor of the incident, shared her emotional turmoil, expressing survivor’s guilt and mourning the loss of her friend Moyra.
Judge Lowe, in his remarks during the trial, criticized Mitchell’s reckless and immature driving behavior, highlighting the devastating impact on the victims and their families. Sergeant Williams of the Serious Collision Investigation Team commended Mitchell for pleading guilty and emphasized the profound impact of the incident on all those involved, including witnesses and emergency responders.
The tragic events of December 2, 2022, continue to haunt the families of the deceased and the injured, as well as those who witnessed the aftermath. The community remains supportive of all those affected by the collision, acknowledging their resilience throughout the lengthy legal proceedings.
