A reckless driver who recorded herself speeding at almost 100mph on Snapchat before a crash that killed two people has had her prison sentence increased. Liberty Mitchell, now 21, was originally sentenced to six years and eight months in February for causing the deaths of taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger, schoolteacher Moyra Whelan, in December 2022.
Crash Details
Mitchell, who had only passed her driving test days before, was driving at 96mph in a 60mph zone. She attempted to overtake three other cars on the wrong side of the road in her Mini Cooper before losing control and causing a pile-up on the B4425 near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire. She was arrested at the scene and later pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and two counts of causing death while driving uninsured.
Appeal and Sentence Increase
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP referred Mitchell's case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing the original punishment was too lenient. Senior judges agreed and increased the sentence to nine years and three months. Ms Reeves welcomed the outcome, saying: "Liberty Mitchell’s reckless actions behind the wheel claimed the lives of two people and left many others with life-changing injuries. My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of Octavian Codreanu and Moyra Whelan, and to all those whose lives have been devastated by this tragedy."
Victim Impact
Nicola Cooper, a passenger in the taxi, said: "The crash itself was traumatic, the impact felt endless. I live with survivor's guilt and the trauma of losing one of my closest friends, Moyra, who was sitting just inches from me." Other victims suffered injuries including a fractured hip, broken ribs, severe abdominal wounds, and shattered bones protruding through the skin.
Judge's Remarks
At her trial, Judge Lowe said: "At the time of this collision, you had held a full driving licence for less than three weeks. You were, at the time, a reckless and immature young driver suffering from the, frankly common, teenage delusion that you were invulnerable and free to do as you wished. The lives of all the victims and their families have been irrevocably changed." Sergeant Williams of the Serious Collision Investigation Team added: "This case was due to go to trial, and I’m pleased that Mitchell pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced."
