A drink-driver who killed a 13-year-old girl in the passenger seat told other teenagers in the car to lie to the police. Dwane Moody, 40, was uninsured and unlicensed and had been drinking alcohol at a party when he drove three teenagers in another guest’s car.
He left the event in Hertfordshire and was seen driving erratically and at speed. Moody eventually failed to navigate a corner and the car went through a fence, seriously injuring Evelyn Haylock, who was in the front seat.
Pressuring the survivors
While the two other teenagers called 999 and began administering first aid, Moody demanded they lie to the operators. He asked them to say a vehicle coming the other way had forced them off the road, threatening them to give a false account.
Emergency services arrived and Moody was arrested before being taken to hospital and then custody. All three teenagers were taken to hospital, where Evelyn tragically died four days later.
Sentencing
Moody, of Dane End, appeared at St Albans Crown Court and was sentenced to 12 years and 8 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured, and causing death whilst otherwise in accordance with a licence.
Moody also pleaded guilty to two counts of perverting the course of justice and aggravated taking of a vehicle without consent. In addition to the custodial sentence, he has been banned from driving for 17 years and four months.
Family tributes
The young girl’s parents released moving tributes to their daughter. Evelyn’s mother said: “She was a child who absolutely loved life. She brought an infectious energy into our home, and her presence was pure light.
“One of her absolute favourite places to be was on her trampoline. I can still close my eyes and see her jumping, laughing and defying gravity, just bursting with youth and happiness.
“She had so much life left to live, so many more days to jump, play and grow. The defendant didn’t just cause a crash; he shattered my entire universe.”
Evelyn’s father said: “Evelyn was the light of all our worlds, there wasn’t a day that would go by without her making us laugh or smile.
“Our family is a chain, and she was the strongest link keeping us all together and now that link is no longer there, but we are still holding on strong, never losing her name and keeping her in our hearts.”
Police response
Det Con Lewis Stanley, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “This is a tragic case in which a young girl lost her life unnecessarily.
“Evelyn’s family have shown immense strength throughout this investigation and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“Dwane Moody made a series of reckless and selfish decisions that evening.
“It speaks volumes of his character that he, a grown man, was trying to persuade the other passengers, both teenagers, to lie for him whilst they were trying to save Evelyn.
“They suffered a hugely traumatic ordeal and I would like to commend them for their brave actions.
“No sentence can undo the pain caused by Evelyn’s death.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
