Driver Jailed for Killing Farmer While Using Snapchat
A mother of two received a three-year prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving after being distracted by her phone.
A mother of two has been jailed for three years and two months after she killed a farmer while using Snapchat on her phone. Ami Dronsfield, 36, was driving to a hair appointment in November 2024 when she collided with 58-year-old Michael Armstrong's quad bike. The crash caused catastrophic injuries to Mr. Armstrong, who was taken to a hospital in Newcastle.
Mr. Armstrong remained on life support for 11 days before his family made the decision to turn off the machines, following medical advice. His wife described the scene of the crash as "beyond horrific" and stated that her husband, her "best friend and soul mate" of 28 years, had left home that evening saying, "I'm off, I'll see you soon." Those were his last words.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Dronsfield's phone had been unlocked and active on Snapchat for a brief period moments before the collision. Although she did not create, send, or receive messages or calls during the seven seconds the phone was active, the court was told that the light from the phone would have been a distraction in the dark. The judge accepted it was a "very short period of distraction but with fatal consequences," and that Dronsfield had failed to see the quad bike.
Dronsfield pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. She will serve 19 months in custody before being released on license and has been disqualified from driving for six years and seven months. She had no prior convictions and had worked for Northumberland County Council for 17 years.
In a letter to the court, Dronsfield expressed deep remorse, stating she was "truly ashamed and sorry beyond words" and acknowledged "how quickly one mistake can have such devastating consequences." She added that the guilt was "a guilt I will never overcome."
Judge Robert Adams acknowledged that the sentence could not compensate for the loss suffered by Mr. Armstrong's family and friends, stating that while the sentence was in accordance with the law, it was "far too low."