Liberty Mitchell jailed for six years and eight months after a court heard how the young driver caused a devastating crash that claimed two lives just weeks after passing her test.
Mitchell was 18 when she attempted a high-speed overtake on the B4425 near Aldsworth in Gloucestershire in December 2022.
Driving her Mini Cooper, she tried to pass several vehicles at once before colliding with a taxi, leading to a catastrophic multi-vehicle crash.
Taxi driver Octavian Codreanu was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, school teacher Moyra Whelan, was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol but later succumbed to her injuries.
Several others suffered serious and life-altering injuries and continue to live with the consequences of that day.
Police investigations later uncovered Snapchat videos showing Mitchell filming herself while driving at speeds of up to 100mph on rural roads.
In one clip, she swerved toward the opposite side of the road as friends inside the car shouted for her to stop.
Prosecutors told the court that she had passed her driving test less than three weeks before the collision. Despite her inexperience, she frequently exceeded speed limits and used her mobile phone while driving.
Mitchell was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple offences, including causing death by dangerous driving. She pleaded guilty.
Appearing at Gloucester Crown Court on February 13, Mitchell — now 21 — received a prison sentence of six years and eight months. She will serve half of the term in custody before becoming eligible for release on licence.
Victim impact statements described the unimaginable grief experienced by the families of Octavian Codreanu and Moyra Whelan, as well as the ongoing trauma faced by survivors.
The case has since circulated widely on social media after a Facebook user shared a heartfelt reaction to the tragedy. The post read:
“This is an example of why I told my children that they aren’t going to drive or own a car until age 21! Do you think the legal age to drive should be increased?”
The post sparked heated discussion, with many commenters questioning whether the legal driving age should be raised or whether stricter rules should apply to newly qualified drivers.
The tragedy involving Liberty Mitchell continues to serve as a sobering reminder of how dangerous decisions behind the wheel can have irreversible consequences for innocent lives
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