Family Demands Justice After Sister Killed by 100mph Driver Days After Passing Test
The siblings of a teacher killed by a speeding driver just three weeks after she passed her test have expressed outrage at the sentence handed down. Moyra Whelan, a 35-year-old history teacher, was killed along with taxi driver Octavian Codreanu when Liberty Mitchell took a corner on the wrong side of the road after reaching speeds of up to 100mph.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal crash occurred on the B4425 near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire. Mitchell, who was 18 at the time, had been traveling at 96mph in a 60mph zone moments before the impact. It later emerged that the 21-year-old had been filming herself speeding and swerving her car in the days after passing her driving test, showing a blatant disregard for road safety.
Moyra Whelan was on her way to a wedding of one of her school friends when the collision happened. Her brother Pauric has spoken out against the sentence, noting that Mitchell will likely serve little more than three years of a jail term of six years and eight months. He emphasized the family's devastation and their call for stricter penalties.
Family's Emotional Response and Campaign
Moyra's sister Katy-Louise described her as "my favourite person in the world" and stated that three years on, the family remains devastated. She added, "Liberty Mitchell was directly and wholly responsible. She showed a disregard for human life." The family is urging the Attorney General to review the sentencing and is supporting campaigns for lifetime driving bans for those who cause fatal accidents.
Pauric Whelan has backed BirminghamLive's campaign to strip terrible drivers who kill or maim on UK streets of their driving licenses permanently. He said, "As a family, our focus firstly is on righting this wrong of a sentence. We also want to see legislation changed for young drivers and I agree, total bans for life after offences like this. Liberty Mitchell has shown no remorse for what she did."
Legal Proceedings and Social Media Evidence
Liberty Mitchell, from Chipping Norton, pleaded guilty to:
- Two counts of causing death by dangerous driving
- Three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- Causing death by dangerous driving whilst uninsured
The court was shown several social media clips in which Mitchell laughed while speeding and swerving, including footage filmed at the scene moments after causing the crash. This evidence highlighted her reckless behavior and lack of remorse.
Call for Legislative Changes
The family is urging the Ministry of Justice and the Sentencing Council to update disqualification guidelines. They argue that those who abuse the privilege of driving, with catastrophic consequences, should never be allowed to be in control of a vehicle again. This call aligns with broader public safety concerns and campaigns for stricter road laws.
Moyra Whelan's legacy as a beloved teacher and vibrant individual is remembered by her family, who continue to fight for justice in her name. The case underscores ongoing issues with driver accountability and sentencing in fatal road incidents.
