Moyra Whelan, a 35-year-old teacher, was tragically killed along with taxi driver Octavian Codreanu when 21-year-old Liberty Mitchell lost control of her car at speeds reaching 100mph. The fatal crash occurred just three weeks after Mitchell had passed her driving test.
Mitchell took a corner on the wrong side of the road near Aldsworth, Gloucestershire, causing the deadly collision. Disturbingly, it later emerged that she had been filming herself speeding and swerving dangerously in the days following her test.
Moyra’s brother, Pauric Whelan, has expressed outrage over Mitchell’s sentence, which amounts to six years and eight months in prison, and pointed out she is likely to serve only about three years. He supports campaigns demanding lifetime driving bans for reckless drivers who cause death or serious injury.
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“As a family, we want to see justice done and laws changed to protect young drivers and the public,” said Pauric. “Liberty Mitchell has shown no remorse for what she did. We urge the Attorney General to review her sentence.”
Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and causing death while uninsured. At the time of the crash, she was driving 96mph in a 60mph zone. The court also saw social media videos of her laughing while speeding and swerving, including footage at the crash scene moments after the impact.
Moyra was on her way to a friend’s wedding when the fatal crash occurred. Her sister, Katy-Louise, described Moyra as “my favourite person in the world” and said the family remains devastated even three years later.
“Liberty Mitchell was directly and wholly responsible,” Katy-Louise said. “She showed a total disregard for human life.”
The family is calling on the Ministry of Justice and the Sentencing Council to review and strengthen disqualification guidelines, ensuring that those who recklessly endanger and destroy lives are barred from driving permanently.
Moyra was an extraordinary woman – hardworking, kind, and loyal. She had a quick wit and a genuine spirit that drew people to her. Her vibrant personality lit up any room, and she had so much more life ahead of her.
The shock and grief of her loss remain deeply felt by everyone who knew her. Her tragic death is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of irresponsible driving and the urgent need for better protection on the roads.