Driver who killed schoolboy in speeding accident sentenced to 10 years

A 26-year-old driver has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after causing the death of a 15-year-old boy in a speeding crash in Essex. The tragic incident, which occurred on November 3, 2023, also left another child critically injured. The driver was speeding at 67mph, well above the 30mph limit.

A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after his dangerous driving caused the death of a 15-year-old boy in a tragic crash in Essex. The incident, which occurred on 3 November 2023 in the village of Stock, also left another child critically injured.

The Incident

Stephen Mahebadevan, from Orford Crescent, Chelmsford, was driving at a speed of 67mph (approximately 105 km/h) on Stock Road, well above the 30mph (50 km/h) speed limit. The crash occurred when he lost control of his vehicle and mounted the pavement at around 08:20 GMT, striking two boys who were walking to a nearby bus stop.

Freddie Coleman, aged 15, tragically died after being struck by an oncoming van, while the second boy suffered serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and the need for a kidney removal. Both boys were friends on their way to Mayflower High School in Billericay. Witnesses to the incident described Mahebadevan’s vehicle as "travelling like a missile" through the village, underscoring the dangerous nature of his speeding.

Court Proceedings

At Chelmsford Crown Court, Mahebadevan pleaded guilty to charges of causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving in January 2024. Judge Mary Loram KC, who presided over the case, described the crash as an "unimaginable tragedy for any parent."

During the court hearing, it was revealed that Mahebadevan had filed a false insurance claim just three days after the crash. He falsely stated that his car had been damaged by a "bus or lorry" in an attempt to cover up the details of the incident. The court also noted that Mahebadevan had never provided a clear explanation as to why he was speeding at the time of the crash.

Victims' Families

Joanna Coleman, Freddie's mother, described her son as "a fabulous, loyal friend" and called his death "the darkest day of my life." She spoke of the profound impact his death had on her family, making daily life difficult. "Leaving the house has become a struggle on many days," she added.

The mother of the second boy, who was also injured in the crash, expressed that the incident was "a parent's worst nightmare," highlighting the long-term physical and emotional toll it has taken on her child. The boy himself stated, "The visible scars you left on my body are a constant reminder of what you did to me, something I cannot escape."

Approximately 50 people attended the court hearing to offer support to the families of the victims. The emotional pain felt by the families was evident as statements detailing their anguish were read aloud in court, visibly affecting the judge.

Sentencing and Legal Consequences

When passing the sentence, Judge Loram emphasized the "awful, most tragic consequences" of Mahebadevan’s actions. She sentenced him to 10 years in prison and banned him from driving for 13 years. Mitigating counsel, Ayanna Nelson, expressed "extreme regret" that Mahebadevan could not explain why he chose to speed. However, the judge responded by stating that the reason for speeding was irrelevant: "I can tell you why he sped – he chose to. It doesn’t matter why. It doesn’t matter if he was late or just wanted to put his foot down."

Community Impact

The tragedy has had a lasting impact on the village of Stock, which remains deeply affected by the loss of Freddie Coleman. His death has left a significant void in the lives of his family, friends, and the wider community. The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of road safety, particularly the dangers of speeding in residential areas. Local authorities and media continue to follow the case closely, underscoring the need for responsible driving and adherence to speed limits to prevent further tragedies.

Sources:

• ITV News – Jail for driver going 'like a missile' who killed teenage boy as he walked to school
• LBC – Speeding driver jailed for 10 years after vehicle 'travelled like a missile' before fatally hitting schoolboy
• SWNS – Speeding driver who knocked boy into path of oncoming van jailed
• Speeding driver who killed schoolboy gets 10 years