Northumbria Police has released footage of the 999 call and police interview of Ami Dronsfield, a dangerous driver who killed a quad bike rider in a collision in Northumberland.
Dronsfield, 36, of West Turnpike, Glanton, near Alnwick, was driving a VW Golf on the A697 when she hit Michael Armstrong's quad bike, causing fatal injuries. The collision happened between Thrunton and Whittingham shortly after the junction with Garmintedge Bank, just after 5pm on November 14, 2024.
Phone use before crash
An investigation found Dronsfield, a mother of two who was on her way to a hair appointment in Alnwick, had accessed her phone just before the crash. She unlocked the device around six seconds before the collision and opened Snapchat around four seconds before impact.
On Wednesday, Dronsfield was jailed for three years and two months after admitting causing death by dangerous driving. At Newcastle Crown Court, it was said she had not created, sent or received any messages or calls during the brief period her phone was active.
Court hearing and judge's remarks
Judge Robert Adams said it would have been dark at the time and the light from the phone would have been distracting. He accepted it was "a very short period of distraction but with fatal consequences" and there was "no question that she failed to see the quad bike during that time."
In the video footage released by Northumbria Police, Dronsfield is heard asking for an ambulance after the collision, providing her location and name and explaining she hit a quad bike. When asked about injuries, she says "I don't know, I can't find the quad bike driver," before they realise where he is. The caller asks if he's ok and she responds: "No."
Police interview and family statement
The footage also shows Dronsfield being questioned by police. She tells them she hadn't seen the quad bike in front of her and her air bags came out. She continues: "After that, I must have hit the grass."
During a further police interview, an officer says: "We believe you would have had a clear unobstructed view of the carriageway ahead and the rear of the illuminated quad bike for at least a period of 19 seconds, with no vehicles between you. What do you have to say to that?" She replies: "No comment." She is further told by police: "Our evidence shows that there was use of the mobile phone prior to the collision and at the time of the collision. Is there anything you want to say to that?" Dronsfield gives no comment again.
The officer then says: "I'm putting it to you that your driving was dangerous and that is, that it was a deliberate act on a fast road in the dark for you to use your phone to view content on that phone and not pay attention to the road ahead where there was a vulnerable road user. That falls far below the act of a careful and competent driver, and as a result of that driving and the subsequent collision, it caused the death of Michael Armstrong." Dronsfield says: "No comment."
Mr Armstrong's family have spoken of their pain at his loss and said they had been "left broken" following his death. They said: "For us as a broken family, it has taken our rock, our main stay and the driving force of our family and business. It has robbed the community of a much loved and respected man, it has put huge financial demands on our business and left a massive hole in everyone's lives that loved Michael."
"Ms Dronsfield will be free at some point, be free to laugh, to cry, to love and to enjoy her life. She robbed Michael Armstrong of all of that and it can never be altered or changed. Michael is gone because of Ms Dronsfield and we are left a broken family because of that night."
During the sentencing, the court was told that Dronsfield, who was of previous good character and had worked for Northumberland County Council for 17 years, was deeply remorseful for the "devastating impact my actions have had" and wished she could turn back time. She said in a letter: "I'm truly ashamed and sorry beyond words" and pointed out "how quickly one mistake can have such devastating consequences." She further said: "I regret my actions more than words can express", before adding it was "a guilt I will never overcome."
