A teenage driver who killed a much loved woman after losing control of her Mini just months after passing her driving test has been spared jail but is ‘riddled with guilt’.
Chloe Bell, 21, was 19 when she drove an estimated 46mph around a bend on a 40mph road, losing control of her Mini One, and smashing into two women.
Elizabeth Anne Lythgoe, 70, was killed in the accident in July 2020 and Denise Ford, who she had been walking with, was seriously injured.
Bell was sentenced to a 39-week suspended sentence, 140 hours of unpaid work, and a two-year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Chloe Bell, 21, was 19 when she lost control of her vehicle and hit two pensioners. Elizabeth Anne Lythgoe, 70, died hours later
Bell was sentenced to a 39-week suspended sentence, 140 hours of unpaid work, and a two-year driving disqualification
Judge Martin Walsh told Bolton Crown Court that the greatest punishment for Bell was having to live with the guilt of causing the death of someone.
Mrs Lythgoe – known as Anne – was thrown forward up to 30 metres along Slag Lane, in Wigan, when the out-of-control car hit her.
She and Mrs Ford had been out on a long walk, a habit they had started as a result of the Covid pandemic.
The pair were treated at the scene by paramedics but Mrs Lythgoe was pronounced dead two hours later in hospital.
Mrs Ford, who is in her 70s, was left with multiple fractures and has since lost the independence she previously had.
In a statement to the court she said: ‘Anne was the salt of the earth in our community. Everybody loved Anne. In Anne, I have lost my best friend.’
Mrs Ford said that her daughter had not been allowed into the hospital to visit her during her recovery and that the accident had left her feeling vulnerable.
‘Although I have made a good recovery from the incident, whilst I was in hospital I could not even move without assistance. This was difficult for me as I am a strong person and am determined not to let this change my life.
A family member told Bolton Crown Court that Bell had withdrawn from life after the accident as the judge told her the greatest punishment would be living with the guilt
‘However, I am no longer able to go out walking as I used to as I still feel pain and feel vulnerable on the roads. I am also no longer able to do other things we did together, like puzzles and jigsaws.’
Mrs Lythgoe’s widowed husband Frank, said: ‘We met in the 1970s and have been married for 45 years. We lived happily married for years however, since this, my life has become a living nightmare.
‘I miss her so much. Anne was the outgoing one in the relationship and I have always struggled to speak with people. On the day of the collision not only Anne’s life was lost, mine was also lost. Now I no longer live, I just exist.’
At Bolton Crown Court, Bell, now 21, faced up to five years in jail after she admitted causing death by careless driving.
She broke down in tears as she was sentenced to 39-weeks in jail suspended for 18 months.
Bell was also ordered to complete 140 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for two years after a judge ruled the ‘greatest punishment’ was that she would have to live with causing the death of Mrs Lythgoe.
Earlier, prosecutor Charlotte Crangle said the accident was likely caused by a lapse in concentration.
Elizabeth Anne Lythgoe, 70, died at the Salford Royal Hospital hours after the collision. She had been out for a walk with a friend
‘This loss of control was likely caused by a lapse of concentration and sudden acceleration and braking.
‘Only a professional and experienced driver could have prevented this accident. The defendant, who herself flipped over the car whilst she was still inside, waited at the scene after the incident.’
Ms Crangle added that Bell had not had any drink or drugs in her system. She also said the accident had ‘changed’ Mrs Ford’s life.
‘She said she remembered walking along and chatting with her friend one minute, then waking up in a field with someone standing over her saying they found a pulse before she blacked out again.
‘She had sustained fractures to her legs, spine, neck, pubic bone and ribs and significant damage to her abdomen. She remained in the hospital for two weeks and was then released for rehabilitation.
‘She now receives regular care. Prior to the incident, she was confident and active but her life has since changed. She has also had to deal with the psychological impact of losing her best friend.’
Bell has no previous convictions and had not received any cautions since getting her driving license in 2019.
The court heard the road turned from a 30mph zone into a 40mph zone but there were many warning signs and markings making drivers aware of the bend.
In mitigation, Oliver Jarvis, who represented Bell, said she completely accepted responsibility for the tragedy.
‘Can I firstly say that the defendant completely and utterly accepts responsibility for the devastating consequences resulting from her driving too fast around that bend.
This defendant is riddled with guilt and she knows that she has to carry that burden for the rest of her life.’
‘Her life has stood still since this incident occurred and as a result, she has distanced herself from her friends and family.
Mr Jarvis said Bell had suffered severe mental health problems after the accident and felt a deep sorrow and regret.
‘Bell wrote a letter to the court in which she only spoke of her deep regret and sorrow for what she has caused.
‘She has also shown suicidal ideations and has wished that it were her that died in place of the victim. There is not a day that goes by when she does not think about the harm she caused.’
‘This wasn’t a deliberate decision. It was not as if she was sending a text behind the wheel. This was a brief lapse of concentration and was momentary.’
Bolton Crown Court, pictured, heard that Bell had suffered severe mental health problems after the accident
A letter from a family member of Bell said she is ‘unable to forgive herself’ and has become distant from friends and family, believing it should have been her that lost her life that day.
‘She feels deep regret and sorrow for the devastation caused,’ it added.
In sentencing, Judge Martin Walsh said: ‘Nothing that this court could do [could] put right the wrong that has been done and no sentence is intended to reflect the value of life that has been lost.
‘The real punishment that you must bear is that you will have, for the rest of your life, the knowledge of what you have done. My condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
‘Your actions were not intended but were nonetheless catastrophic.’