Edward Spencer, 19, given 24 months detention following the deaths of three teenagers in car crash

A TEENAGE driver who killed three young people and seriously injured three others has been sent to a young offenders’ institute.

Edward Alwyn Spencer, 19, was sentenced to 24 months following the deaths of his fellow Chipping Campden School students in a collision near Stretton-on-Fosse on Friday, 21st April 2023.

Judge Andrew Lockhart, at Warwick Crown Court today (Monday), also banned Spencer from driving for eight years.

He pleaded guilty last month to three counts of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving; and three counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Spencer was the driver of a Ford Fiesta containing three other teenagers travelling toward Shipston from Chipping Campden School on the B4035 when he lost control and crashed into a car travelling in the opposite direction.

Following the collision, 17-year-old Harry Purcell, 16-year-old Tilly Seccombe and 16-year-old Frank Wormald, who were in Spencer’s car, died as a result of their injuries.

A woman and two children were taken to hospital with serious injuries and they continue to receive ongoing treatment for their injuries. For the children, this will continue into early adulthood.

Spencer, then 17, had passed his driving test just five weeks before the incident.

Investigators determined Spencer to be travelling at or around 64mph at the time of the collision, which Spencer accepted.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Det Sgt Stephen Barr said: "This was a truly tragic collision, and our thoughts remain with all those involved and affected by what happened.

“Edward Spencer was an inexperienced driver who made decisions on that day that changed many lives forever. He and all the families affected will have to live with the consequences of what he did for the rest of their lives.

“As this tragic case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be devastating.

“Any death is difficult to come to terms with but for three young lives to be lost who each had so much to look forward to is extremely challenging.

"We know this conviction will not bring comfort to the loved ones of the three teenagers who lost their lives as well as those who were seriously injured, but we welcome the judge’s decision in this matter.”