Police officer hopes sentencing in fatal car crash case will 'bring some closure to families'

The police officer in charge of the investigation into the death of a 16-year-old girl in a car crash in Northamptonshire says he hopes the result will bring some closure to the family.

Amelia 'Millie' Phillips was a passenger in the back of a black Vauxhall Corsa when it collided with a red Vauxhall Astra on the A5 at the Bugbrooke turn on September 25, 2019.

Sadly, she died the next day at University Hospital Coventry. She was 16.

In September, Millie's cousin and the driver of the Corsa - Lucy Barnes, of The Wharf in Bugbrooke - pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving in the collision by pulling out onto the 60mph

But at her sentencing at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (October 9), the 19-year-old driver was told by a judge there was "no greater apology" she could make than admitting she had done wrong in court. The judge gave Barnes a 12-month suspended sentence.

Speaking after the case, DC Ady Tredwell from Northamptonshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a tragic case and nobody is going to be able to bring back Emillia who was just 16 at the time of this awful crash.

“This has been a harrowing year for the families of both the victim and the driver, but I do hope today’s verdict will bring some closure for all concerned.”

In the court room, His Honour Judge Rupert Mayo told Barnes: "Nobody should think that any penalty I impose is in anyway a reflection of that life's value, because her life was beyond value... She was such a precious person.

"In any case involving the death of a young person, there's nothing this court can do to bring that person back.

"You have offered the greatest apology you can to the family by accepting criminal responsibility."

Barnes was handed a 12- month prison sentence suspended for one year. She will also carry out 200 hour of unpaid work and was banned from driving for three years.

The court heard how the crash happened as Barnes, Millie and another family member were on their way to a garage in Weedon.

But tragically, Barnes - who was 18 at the time - incorrectly pulled out onto A5 at the Bugbrooke junction into the path of a red Vauxhall Astra travelling at 60mph.

Despite the efforts of other members of the public to provide first aid and being transported to University Hospital Coventry, Millie died on the following day.

Following her death, Amelia's family paid tribute in a statement where they called her "the perfect daughter."

The statement, which was released through Northamptonshire Police, read: “Our Millie was a beautiful, confident, fun-loving young lady who appreciated everything in life.

“At 16 years-old, she lived life to the full, making the most of each and every day and always making memories with lots of trips and holidays.

“She was the perfect daughter and sister who was greatly loved by all - living every day with a smile on her face, she made the most out of her life and was very popular amongst friends.

“Millie had the world at feet and so much potential to do whatever she wanted in life.

“There are no words to describe the pain of losing your child and Millie will forever be in everyone’s hearts.

"Her loss has left a massive hole in so many lives.”