An unlicensed driver has admitted killing a girl and wounding two others in a crash in Westbury.
Jamie Lee Hitt, 21, pleaded guilty to death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court today (Friday).
Front seat passenger Bethany Michelle Ovenden-Gumm, 18, died when he ploughed a silver Ford Fiesta into a tree and garden wall in The Mead shortly before 11.40pm on 5 February 2021.
Back seat passengers Scarlett Elizabeth Clark-Taylor and Megan Hicks both sustained significant injuries in the smash. As did Hitt, who was aided by two crutches.
Arriving at Salisbury Law Courts this morning, a woman accompanying Hitt – thought to be a family member – attempted to block the press from taking photographs of the defendant.
Hitt, of Greenham View in Bradford on Avon, also pleaded guilty to causing death whilst driving without a licence and insurance.
Describing the fatal incident as an “utterly tragic event”, Judge Paul Dugdale told the defendant, known as Jay, that he will be jailed for his crimes.
“You have pleaded guilty to what are very serious offences. I am not going to go into the detail of it, but this is a tragic case as a result of the way you were driving on February 5, two years ago”, he said.
Adding: “You have caused the tragic loss of one person and extensive injuries to two others, and yourself… that is going to be dealt with an immediate custodial sentence.“
Hitt was released on bail with a curfew to remain at home between 7pm and 7am daily. He will be sentenced on 7 February at Salisbury Crown Court.
