Man Charged in Fatal Banbury Crash; Tributes Pour in for 18-Year-Old Victim

Tributes are being paid to Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs, 18, who died following a car crash in Banbury on Saturday night. The collision occurred around 9:20 p.m. on Bloxham Road when Heaton-Biggs's white Volkswagen Polo collided with a white Mercedes.

Thames Valley Police reported that Heaton-Biggs was taken to the hospital but tragically died a short time later. In connection with the incident, 36-year-old Brian Mclaren appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Monday. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst disqualified, and causing death by due care while over the prescribed alcohol limit.

Mclaren also faces additional charges for driving while disqualified and driving a motor vehicle above the legal alcohol level. Two other individuals, a 24-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, were arrested in relation to Heaton-Biggs's death but have since been released on bail as the investigation continues.

Esme's family described her in an emotional tribute as a "beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside." They remembered her as "funny, kind, stubborn, witty" and a "bright and unique light" who was taken too soon. The tribute detailed how she will be missed by her mother for her smile and laughter, by her father for her practical jokes and temperament, by her brother for pushing him to do more, and by her friends who called her "their spark" and the "glue that held the social group together."

"The tragic loss of Esme leaves a profoundly large hole in the hearts of so many for so many different reasons, and she has been tragically taken from all of us far too soon," the family stated.

Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby of the serious collision investigation unit appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant footage to come forward. "We are working hard to establish exactly what happened and would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or has relevant footage, to come forward as a matter of urgency," Blackaby said. Police are also asking drivers in the area with dashcam footage to review it for information. Information can be provided to Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or visiting their website, quoting reference number 43260517700.