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Driver who filmed herself speeding at nearly 100mph on Snapchat before fatal crash has sentence changed

Liberty Mitchell, who recorded Snapchat videos of herself driving at nearly 100mph before a crash which left two people dead, has been told her prison sentence is to be increased

A reckless driver who recorded herself speeding at almost 100mph before she crashed and killed two people has been told she will now serve an additional three years in prison.

Liberty Mitchell, now 21, had only passed her test days before killing taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and Moyra Whelan, his passenger, back in December 2022. The woman was driving at 96mph in a 60-zone as she attempted to overtake three other cars on the wrong side of the road in her Mini Cooper before losing control and causing a pile-up.

Mitchell, who had recently turned 18 at the time of the horror smash, was arrested at the scene on the B4425 near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire. She wept in the dock as she was sentenced to six years and eight months behind bars in February, and was told she must serve half of her sentence in custody before being eligible for release on licence.

[Liberty Mitchell mug shot]

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Liberty Mitchell was sentenced back in February

[Liberty Mitchell]

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But after an appeal, her punishment has been increased (Image: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

But hours later, Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP referred her case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. After hearing arguments that the punishment was too lenient, senior judges have now increased her sentence to nine years and three months.

Ms Reeves welcomed the outcome and said: "Liberty Mitchells reckless actions behind the wheel claimed the lives of two people and left many others with life-changing injuries. My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of Octavian Codreanu and Moyra Whelan, and to all those whose lives have been devastated by this tragedy.

"The offender had previously filmed herself speeding and shared it on social media, showing disregard for the danger she posed to others. I pay tribute to the emergency services who treated the injured at the scene."

[Moyra Whelan]

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Victim Moyra Whelan 'had so much left that she wanted to experience', her sister said(Image: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

[Liberty Mitchell's snapchat]

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Mitchell sent footage of her reckless driving to pals on the app (Image: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

Mr Codreanu and Ms Whelan, a schoolteacher on her way to a wedding, died at the scene. Mitchell was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and two counts of causing death while driving uninsured, as her insurance did not cover use of the vehicle for work. She pleaded guilty to all charges.

The court heard that other victims of the crash sustained injuries including a fractured hip, broken ribs, severe abdominal wounds and shattered bones protruding through the skin.

[Liberty Mitchell speeding]

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She filmed herself speeding and swerving in a Mini Cooper (Image: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

Nicola Cooper, one of the passengers in the taxi, said: "The crash itself was traumatic, the impact felt endless. I live with survivor's guilt and the trauma of losing one of my closest friends, Moyra, who was sitting just inches from me. I lie awake at night thinking about the 'what ifs'."

At her trial earlier this year, Judge Lowe said: "At the time of this collision, you had held a full driving licence for less than three weeks. You were, at the time, a reckless and immature young driver suffering from the, frankly common, teenage delusion that you were invulnerable and free to do as you wished. The lives of all the victims and their families have been irrevocably changed."

Sergeant Williams of the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: "This case was due to go to trial, and Im pleased that Mitchell pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced.

[Liberty Mitchell]

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Liberty Mitchell(Image: Gloucestershire Police / SWNS)

"Her actions tragically killed taxi driver Octavian Codreanu and his passenger, schoolteacher Moyra Whelan, as well as seriously injuring three others.

"Friday, December 2 2022 is a day that will be ingrained in not only the minds of the families who lost a loved one, but also the numerous victims who have suffered horrendous injuries and who are still recovering today, as well as the large number of witnesses who stopped to help and whose lives have also been affected.

"Our thoughts remain with those who have suffered loss and injuries, and Id like to thank the families of everyone involved in the collision for their patience and bravery during what has been a lengthy process."

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