A heartbreaking story has emerged about a teenage driver who killed three of his friends in a tragic crash after promising the father of one of the victims that he would be more careful on the road.
Edward Spencer, 19, made the pledge just weeks before the deadly collision that claimed the lives of 16-year-old Matilda “Tilly” Seccombe and her two friends, 17-year-old Harry Purcell and 16-year-old Frank Wormald.
Tilly’s Concerns and the Tragic Event
The crash occurred just five weeks after Spencer passed his driving test.
Tilly, who had only been travelling with Spencer to and from school for a week, had raised concerns about his driving just hours before the fatal accident.
According to Tilly’s father, James Seccombe, he had specifically asked Spencer to be careful when driving with friends in the car, a request Spencer had promised to honor. Tragically, it seems he did not keep that promise.
The Moments Leading Up to the Crash
The collision took place when Spencer lost control of his Ford Fiesta on a bend and collided head-on with a Fiat.
Spencer, who is from a farming family, was hospitalised after the crash.
Tilly’s father, James, had met Spencer briefly before the incident, as Tilly had only recently joined the school and they were still getting to know her new friends.
James revealed that Spencer had promised to drive carefully in their home, but the tragedy made it clear that he had not followed through on his word.
Spencer Faces Legal Consequences
Spencer appeared in court to admit to causing the deaths and injuries through careless driving.
He has been handed an interim driving ban, and a full sentence is expected next month.
Judge Andrew Lockhart KC warned that Spencer could face a custodial sentence for his actions.
Tilly’s family, still reeling from the loss of their daughter, are now part of a campaign to introduce “graduated” driving licences for young drivers.
They believe such measures could help prevent tragedies like this one by placing restrictions on new drivers, such as bans on carrying younger passengers.
Grief and Anguish from the Seccombe Family
Tilly’s parents, James and Juliet, are deeply disturbed by Spencer’s lack of remorse after the crash.
They explained that Spencer seemed to continue with his life normally, even securing a job at a timber yard near their home.
James Seccombe described the situation as “sickening,” especially since Spencer may have been driving to work near the family’s home, almost within view of Tilly’s bedroom window.
The couple has expressed their frustration that Spencer has not taken responsibility for the impact of his actions.
The Campaign for Safer Roads
As part of their campaign for safer driving laws, the Seccombe family is pushing for the government to introduce graduated driving licences, which could impose restrictions on new drivers, such as bans on carrying young passengers and curfews on late-night driving.
They believe such changes could prevent similar incidents and help families like theirs avoid facing the pain of losing a child.
Despite their efforts, the government has not yet shown a willingness to implement these changes.
A New Tragedy Highlights the Urgency for Change
The Seccombe family’s plea for action comes at a time when young driver safety is making headlines across the UK. Just hours after Spencer’s court appearance, another tragic crash claimed the lives of three teenagers in Shropshire.
This latest incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and greater focus on protecting young people on the roads.
Despite growing calls for action, the government has yet to commit to introducing graduated driving licences, leaving families like the Seccombes feeling unheard and frustrated.