A 21-year-old driver, Liberty Mitchell, who captured herself driving at nearly 100mph before causing a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two individuals, has been sentenced to an additional three years in prison. Mitchell, who had just obtained her driver’s license a few days earlier, was speeding at 96mph in a 60mph zone, attempting an unsafe overtaking maneuver that led to a collision resulting in casualties.
Following the incident in December 2022 near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire, Mitchell was initially handed a sentence of six years and eight months, with a requirement to serve half of the term in custody before possible release. However, the Court of Appeal has now extended her sentence to nine years and three months after an appeal was made under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, deeming the initial penalty insufficient.
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP expressed satisfaction with the revised sentence, emphasizing Mitchell’s reckless behavior that resulted in the loss of two lives and severe injuries to others. Mitchell had shared videos of herself speeding on social media, demonstrating a blatant disregard for public safety. The crash claimed the lives of taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger, Moyra Whelan, with several other individuals sustaining significant injuries.
During the trial, it was revealed that the crash caused a range of injuries to the victims, with one survivor expressing survivor’s guilt and ongoing trauma from the tragic event. Judge Lowe highlighted Mitchell’s reckless driving behavior as a newly licensed driver, attributing the catastrophic consequences to her immature and irresponsible actions.
Sergeant Williams of the Serious Collision Investigation Team commended Mitchell for pleading guilty and acknowledged the devastating impact of the incident on the victims, their families, and witnesses who were affected. The repercussions of the crash continue to resonate, with thoughts and support extended to all those impacted by the tragic events of December 2, 2022.