A man behind the wheel of a high-performance Mercedes has admitted to killing a young woman in a catastrophic hit-and-run collision that occurred at a staggering 140mph on Christmas Day. The fatal incident took place mere minutes after the driver had made a desperate attempt to escape from pursuing police officers.
Joshua James Tilbury, 31, entered his guilty plea at Aylesbury Crown Court this week, confronting the devastating consequences of his actions on what should have been a day of celebration. The court heard how Tilbury's reckless decision to flee from Thames Valley Police culminated in an unimaginable tragedy.
The victim, 22-year-old Rebecca Elizabeth McManus from Hemel Hempstead, suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene. The impact was so severe that emergency services described it as one of the most devastating incidents they had attended.
The sequence of events began when police officers attempted to stop Tilbury's black Mercedes CLA AMG on the A41 Bicester Road near Aylesbury. Instead of complying, Tilbury accelerated away, initiating a dangerous high-speed chase through public roads.
Just minutes after abandoning the police pursuit, Tilbury lost control of the powerful vehicle. The Mercedes collided with another car before careering into a tree with such force that the vehicle was virtually destroyed. The prosecution detailed how the car was traveling at approximately 140mph at the moment of impact.
In a cowardly act following the collision, Tilbury fled the scene on foot, leaving his mortally injured victim behind. He was later apprehended by police and charged with multiple serious offenses.
Tilbury pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving a vehicle without insurance, and failing to stop after a road accident. The court also heard he was driving while disqualified at the time of the fatal crash.
The case has been adjourned for sentencing, with Tilbury remanded in custody until his next court appearance. Judge Francis Sheridan warned him to expect a substantial custodial sentence for the 'grave' offenses committed.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and attempting to evade police. A life has been brutally cut short due to one man's reckless decisions on a day traditionally reserved for family and peace.
