Leon Callaghan, 19, has been sentenced to five years and three months in a young offenders' institution for causing the death of 17-year-old Demi-Leigh Davies in a high-speed crash on the M65 motorway near Burnley, Lancashire. The crash occurred in the early hours of October 2024 when Callaghan, then 17, lost control of his Seat Ibiza while travelling at 113mph.
Fatal Collision and Injuries
Demi-Leigh Davies suffered catastrophic crush injuries, including rib fractures that penetrated a lung, multiple lacerations to internal organs, and fractures to her pelvis, spine, and other bones. She died at Royal Blackburn Hospital at 5am after being found in cardiac arrest at the scene. Two other young women, aged 17 and 19, were also in the car and suffered serious injuries but have since recovered.
Reckless Driving and Speeding
At Preston Crown Court, Judge Robert Altham described Callaghan's actions as a "grossly dangerous manoeuvre." The court heard that Callaghan had his "foot literally to the floor" and reached speeds of up to 127-129mph, the car's limit. A passenger filmed the speedometer at 114mph just minutes before the crash. Callaghan attempted to steer back onto the main carriageway but lost control, causing the car to hit the central reservation and roll several times.
Victim Impact Statement
In a victim personal statement, Demi-Leigh's mother said her family had been given a "life sentence of grief." She said: "There are no words that can truly describe the pain of losing a child. Every day I wake up with the reality that my daughter is gone." She added that Demi-Leigh had just been offered her first job at a care home and had a promising future.
Sentencing and Driving Ban
Callaghan, from Darwen, Lancashire, admitted causing death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to five years and three months' detention and banned from driving for nine years and one month. He must pass an extended re-test before driving again. The judge noted that Callaghan showed limited remorse and blamed external factors, such as his foot getting stuck between the pedals.
Detective Constable Olivia Maidment of Lancashire Police said: "Demi Leigh was clearly a much-loved young woman with her whole life ahead of her and my thoughts today are with all of her loved ones. Nothing can ever compensate for the loss of a life, but I hope at least that this sentence gives Demi Leigh's family some sense that justice has been done."
