An unlicensed driver has been jailed over the death of a teenage girl in a Westbury crash.
Jamie Lee Hitt, 21, was driving a Ford Fiesta in The Mead at around 11.40pm on 5 February 2021 when he lost control and ploughed into a tree and wall.
Bethany Ovenden-Gumm was a passenger in the vehicle and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other passengers – 20-year-old Scarlett Clark-Taylor and 19-year-old Megan Hicks – were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Appearing before His Honour Judge Parkes KC at Salisbury Crown Court today (Tuesday), the defendant, of Greenham View, Bradford on Avon, was jailed for more than five years.
He imposed an eight-year prison sentence but reduced it by one-third due to Hitt’s early guilty plea to charges of causing death by dangerous driving, as well as two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, causing death while unlicenced and whilst uninsured.
During sentencing, Judge Parkes acknowledged the life-changing injuries caused to them and the long-term effects.
Investigating Officer Pete Fennell, from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “This has been a lengthy investigation and there are no winners in this terrible tragedy. It has brought misery to many people.
“No sentence will ever bring Bethany back or help those who have had their lives changed.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victims and their families and thank them for the support they have shown during the police investigation. My thoughts remain with Bethany’s family at this difficult time
“Sadly, this case highlights just how devastating dangerous driving can be. In one night, this young man has devastated many people’s lives.
“I would ask all drivers to consider their behaviour when behind the ‘steering wheel’ and think of the potential consequence of their actions.”
