“Oblivious” young driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

Felicity Pacey was just 17 years old, with her life ahead of her, when she died at the scene of a collision near Denton almost one year ago.

Jack Burkhill pleaded guilty to causing her death by driving dangerously on Friday 9 June, 2023, and was today sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.

Burkhill was just 20 years old when he drove so dangerously that he lost control of his Hyundai i30.  This caused his car to roll over, which led to Felicity being thrown from the vehicle and caused injuries so serious that she could not survive them. 

Burkhill had passed his driving test some 21 months prior to the collision; he had owned the car for less than three weeks. 

Burkhill, Felicity Pacey, and two others had left a pub in Woolsthorpe by Belvoir, near Grantham. Burkhill had been drinking in the pub, as well as during the day, when he got behind the wheel of his car. He drove less than two miles before losing control on the outskirts of Denton village. From witness evidence it is believed he had been driving in excess of 100 mph as he drove down the country road. He drove over a humped bridge too fast and lost control of his vehicle on the approach to a right-hand bend. 

While it was not possible to determine the exact levels of alcohol in his system at the time of the collision, alcohol would have impaired Burkhill’s ability to drive safely on a public road.

This collision could so easily have been avoided.  Brake¹, the Road Safety Charity, list several factors which influence the way some young people may drive. They include, but are not limited to:

• Carrying passengers – peer pressure resulting in drivers ‘showing off’ to their passengers, particularly when the passengers are also young.
• Driving at night – a higher proportion of young drivers crash during the evening or at night-time. This is thought to be linked to the driving being for recreational purposes.
• Speeding – due to young drivers underestimating the risks associated with speeding.
• Over confidence – young drivers overestimate their ability to drive safely leading to risky behaviour such as overtaking, speeding, tailgating, harsh-braking, racing.

PC Karen Farmer, Forensic Collision Investigator, Lincolnshire Police, said in her report; “It is apparent from the facts (in relation to age of the driver and time of occurrence) and witness testimony (in relation to speed, passenger carrying), that the actions of Mr Burkhill fit the criteria associated with young drivers being involved in collisions.”

DC Helen Allcroft, Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This young driver seemed oblivious to the well documented evidence regarding the risk they pose to their passengers, other road users and themselves, despite extensive campaigns, information, and education.  Every collision is preventable, and the sad loss of Felicity’s life could have been avoided.

“There is so much information available, including on the website of Brake. Please take time to read it, remind any friends or family of the risks to young drivers and help us stop such needless loss of life. 

“Not only that, but common sense would also dictate that driving at the speeds Burkhill did, and in the areas where he was travelling, was never going to be safe. Any person getting behind the wheel of the car has a duty to make sure they are driving with caution and sense because sadly, and as we’ve seen here, it is often others who pay the price for irresponsibility.

“All that remains is for me to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Felicity.”

Simon Outen-Coe, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, said: “Unfortunately, young and inexperienced drivers continue to be over represented in our casualty figures and every death on our roads brings heartache to so many people and our thoughts are with the family of Felicity. 

“There are a number of factors that we see in collisions and we would encourage parents and guardians to reinforce the message to their younger loved ones: to take more care until their driving ability has developed further; explore further training opportunities; never drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.”

Jack Burkhill, 21, from Seventh Avenue, Grantham had previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court today (Friday 31 May) to eight years and three months in prison and disqualified for nine years and 45 days.  

 

¹ Young drivers | Brake