Tributes Pour In for Teen Killed in Banbury Crash; Man Charged
An 18-year-old woman died after a collision on Bloxham Road; a man has been charged with multiple offenses.
Tributes are being paid to Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs, 18, who died on Saturday evening following a car crash in Banbury. The teenager was driving a white Volkswagen Polo along Bloxham Road when it collided with a white Mercedes at approximately 9:20 p.m.
Esme was taken to the hospital, where she died later that night. Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Brian Mclaren, 36, 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 charges of driving while disqualified and driving above the legal alcohol level.
A 24-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman were also arrested in relation to the crash. They have since been released on bail as the investigation continues.
Esme's family described her as a "beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside," and a "funny, kind, stubborn, witty" individual. In a statement, they remembered her ability to lift others up, her practical jokes, and her role as a supportive sibling and friend. "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 said.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby urged anyone who witnessed the collision or has relevant footage to contact the police. Drivers in the area at the time with dashcam footage are also asked to review it for potential information.
Information can be reported to Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or visiting their website, quoting reference number 43260517700.