Tim Harrington, leading Francesca Perera prosecuted Edward Spencer for causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving.
At around 4:08pm on 21st April 2023 the Defendant was driving his Ford Fiesta vehicle on the B4035. Harry Purcell (17 years old), Matilda Seccombe (16 years old) and Frank Wormold (16 years old) were his passengers. Three others were travelling in a Fiat 500 on the other side of the road.
Upon approaching the right hand bend, the Defendant lost control of his vehicle and veered into the opposite lane, colliding with the other vehicle. Experts estimated that the Defendant was driving at speeds of approximately 64mph in a 60mph zone. As a result of the collision, sadly Frank Wormold, Harry Purcell and Matilda Seccombe suffered fatal injuries. The three others in the Fiat 500 were seriously injured and continue to receive treatment for their injuries.
The Defendant was a new driver, having passed his test only 6 weeks before the collision. During the investigation it was identified that there had been previous instances of bad driving by the Defendant and that he had failed to listen to the warnings of others.
The Defendant pleaded guilty to all offences on 17th March 2025. On 28th April 2025, the Defendant was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court by HHJ Lockhart KC to 2 years detention. He was also disqualified from driving for 8 years with an extended re-test.
Teen driver who caused deaths of three students weeks after passing test detained for two years – Sky News
‘Show off’ driver who killed three teens sentenced – BBC News
Teenage driver sentenced for killing three people and seriously injuring three others in Shipston crash – Warwickshire Police
