Ellie Crossley and Rebecca Doughty, both 20, tragically lost their lives in a car crash caused by Benjamin Lewis, who was driving recklessly and speeding at 93mph in a 60mph zone during “terrible weather conditions.” The lifelong friends were driving in opposite directions when Lewis’s BMW collided with Ellie’s Citroen in Dunkirk, Cheshire. Ellie, who was driving, and Rebecca, who was a passenger, both died at the scene. Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with a four-year driving ban post-release.
An investigation by Cheshire Police revealed that Lewis crossed the double solid white lines and entered the opposite lane, causing the collision. He initially pleaded guilty to a lesser charge but later changed his pleas to the more serious charge after a trial was listed. The police found evidence that Lewis had driven at high speeds on several roads before the crash and had accelerated harshly past 90mph despite the poor weather conditions. Sergeant Andy Dennison described Lewis’s driving as atrocious and expressed hope that he reflects on his actions while serving his sentence.
The Cheshire Police investigation into the crash was complex and challenging due to the circumstances. Despite the severe weather conditions and poor visibility, Lewis chose to drive at dangerously high speeds, resulting in the tragic deaths of Ellie and Rebecca. The police used satellite data from electronic devices to analyze Lewis’s driving behavior leading up to the collision. The sentence handed down to Lewis aims to send a message about the consequences of driving recklessly and at high speeds, especially in adverse conditions.
Lewis’s refusal to acknowledge the severity of the charges and his eventual admission of guilt after seeing the evidence highlights the impact of his actions on Ellie and Rebecca’s families. The families of the victims have endured a long and painful process, and the hope is that the sentencing provides some closure for them. Despite the outcome, the loss of two young lives due to Lewis’s dangerous driving serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. The police expressed gratitude for the dedicated officers involved in securing justice for Ellie and Rebecca.
The court’s decision to sentence Lewis to 10 years in prison and impose a driving ban reflects the gravity of his actions and the tragic outcome of the crash. The sentencing hearing highlighted Lewis’s lack of regard for the safety of other road users and his responsibility for the deaths of Ellie and Rebecca. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially in challenging weather conditions. While the families of Ellie and Rebecca continue to grieve their loss, the hope is that this case raises awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless driving on the roads, ultimately preventing similar tragedies in the future. The tragic loss of two young lives in this avoidable accident serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of dangerous driving.
