In a heartbreaking turn of events, Yasmin Martin, a 17-year-old who was driving under the influence, caused the death of her best friend Mia Marsh in a tragic car accident.
On December 2, 2022, Martin, who had been drinking heavily, decided to drive her friends home after a night out, despite being well over the legal drink drive limit and driving a car she was neither insured for nor experienced in operating.
Ignoring Pleas and Increasing Speed
As Martin drove through Sunderland with Mia and two other friends, her reckless behavior escalated when her friends pleaded with her to slow down.
Instead of heeding their warnings, Martin became increasingly aggressive, pushing the car’s speed well beyond the limit.
Witnesses described her attitude as one of recklessness, as if she felt invincible and unrestrained by the rules.
The Fatal Crash
Driving at speeds of over 70mph in a 30mph zone, Martin lost control of the vehicle on a bend, crashing into a barrier and causing Mia’s death.
The car, moving at excessive speeds, was captured on CCTV footage traveling between 64 and 80mph just before the collision.
The crash resulted in significant damage and a fatal head injury for Mia, who was only 17 years old.
Emotional Impact on Mia’s Family
Mia’s family, devastated by their loss, attended the court proceedings wearing T-shirts with Mia’s image.
Her mother, Danielle, couldn’t bear to attend in person but submitted a poignant victim impact statement.
She described the unbearable pain of losing Mia, lamenting that they still hope she might walk through the door as if nothing had happened.
The grief, Danielle said, is a constant, harsh reality that they struggle to escape.
Martin’s Sentence and Remorse
Yasmin Martin, now 19, was sentenced to eight years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
She must serve at least two-thirds of her sentence behind bars and will face a five-year driving ban upon release.
In court, Judge Christopher Prince acknowledged that Martin’s friends were unaware of the extent of her impaired driving and had expected her to drive safely.
Martin’s defense attorney, Matthew Bean, expressed her deep remorse and the heavy burden of guilt she will carry for the rest of her life.
Martin, who has a young daughter, will see her child cared for by her grandmother while she serves her sentence.
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