Luciano Spirito, 25, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Darcy Thomsett, 19, by dangerous driving. The fatal collision occurred on February 11, 2023, on the A20 near Farningham, involving Spirito's red Polo GTI and a Mercedes Sprinter. The incident happened around 10:50 p.m. at a junction with Eglantine Lane.
Spirito also admitted to charges of causing death while driving uninsured and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. At the time of the crash, there were four other passengers in Spirito's vehicle, all of whom were taken to the hospital. Ms. Thomsett died as a result of the crash.
During proceedings at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Julian Smith characterized the driver's speed as "off the scale." The prosecution is expected to present evidence that Spirito's vehicle reached 137 mph in the moments leading up to the collision. The defense barrister suggested Spirito was driving around 115 mph, though acknowledged this would not significantly alter the sentencing.
Spirito, from Bromley, was granted unconditional bail and is scheduled to appear back at Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing on November 18. He has received an interim disqualification from driving.
Friends and family of Ms. Thomsett, whose funeral was held on March 17, 2023, have raised thousands of pounds for charity in her memory. Her family described her as "always full of colour" and "unique and irreplaceable."