Liberty Mitchell, 21, who killed two people in a 100mph crash just weeks after passing her driving test, has had her prison sentence increased from six years and eight months to nine years and three months by the Court of Appeal.
Fatal crash details
Mitchell was driving at nearly 100mph in a 60mph zone while trying to overtake three other cars on the wrong side of the road. She clipped one of the vehicles, causing a pile-up that killed taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger Moyra Whelan, a school teacher on her way to a wedding. The crash occurred in December 2022.
Sentence increase
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP referred Mitchell's case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Senior judges increased her sentence to nine years and three months. Ms Reeves said: 'Liberty Mitchell’s reckless actions behind the wheel claimed the lives of two people and left many others with life-changing injuries. My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of Octavian Codreanu and Moyra Whelan, and to all those whose lives have been devastated by this tragedy.'
Charges and injuries
Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and two counts of causing death by driving whilst uninsured. Injuries included a fractured hip, broken ribs, severe abdominal wounds, and shattered bones protruding through the skin.
Victim impact statements
Nicola Cooper, a passenger in the taxi, said: 'The crash itself was traumatic, the impact felt endless. I live with survivor’s guilt and the trauma of losing one of my closest friends, Moyra, who was sitting just inches from me.' Moyra Whelan's younger sister, Katy-Louise Whelan, said: 'She had so much left that she wanted to experience… but the opportunity was stolen from her and we are devastated.'
Defence and sentencing remarks
Defence lawyer Simon Stirling argued Mitchell's actions were due to 'inexperience rather than irresponsibility.' However, Judge Lowe stated: 'At the time of this collision, you had held a full driving licence for less than three weeks. You were, at the time, a reckless and immature young driver suffering from the, frankly common, teenage delusion that you were invulnerable and free to do as you wished.'
