A teenage driver, Leon Callaghan, has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison for causing the death of 17-year-old Demi-Leigh Davies. Callaghan lost control of a Seat Ibiza on the M65 motorway near Burnley, Lancashire, in the early hours of October 2, 2024, while traveling at approximately 113 mph. The vehicle collided with the central reservation, flipped, and crashed, leading to Davies suffering catastrophic crush injuries. She was pronounced dead later at the hospital.
Two other passengers, both 17 and 19 years old, sustained serious injuries but have since recovered. Callaghan, who was 17 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
During sentencing, Judge Robert Altham described Callaghan's actions as a "grossly dangerous manoeuvre" undertaken at high speed. The court heard that Callaghan had been driving friends home after an evening in Manchester. Five individuals were in the vehicle, with Demi-Leigh Davies in the rear seat. A passenger recorded the speedometer showing the car reaching 114 mph shortly before the crash. As Callaghan approached junction nine, still traveling at about 113 mph, he attempted to steer back onto the main carriageway from the exit lane, crossing hatched markings and solid white lines. This maneuver caused him to lose control, leading to the car hitting the central reservation, rebounding, striking a barrier, and rolling multiple times.
Three rear-seat passengers, not wearing seatbelts, were ejected from the vehicle. Passing motorists stopped to assist and found Callaghan, who was bleeding, and directed them to the location of the ejected passengers. A first aider began CPR on Demi-Leigh Davies, but she was later pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination revealed severe blood loss due to traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures and internal organ damage.
Callaghan initially offered an explanation to police that his foot may have become stuck between the pedals, leading to the excessive speed. The judge noted that Callaghan had shown limited remorse. The prosecution stated that the vehicle's analysis indicated it had been driven at speeds up to 127-129 mph.
In a victim impact statement, Demi-Leigh Davies' mother described her daughter as "beautiful, funny, caring and selfless" and stated that her loss had left the family with "a life sentence of grief." She highlighted the pain of her daughter never experiencing adulthood, career progression, or future milestones.
Callaghan's defense attorney mentioned that he had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, which may have affected his decision-making. She also noted that he had held a provisional license from age 16 and had significant driving experience before passing his test on his 17th birthday.
Callaghan, who is now a father and expecting a second child, was disqualified from driving for nine years and one month. He must pass an extended re-test before being eligible to drive again. Detective Constable Olivia Maidment of Lancashire Police expressed condolences to Davies' loved ones and hoped the sentence would bring a sense of justice.