The mother of a teenage girl who died when a drugged-up driver smashed his car into a tree when he lost control on a country lane has spoken of her heartbreak.
Lauren Beavan died as a result of the catastrophic injuries she suffered when Camron Holmes’ Renault Clio ploughed through a hedgerow as speed in the early hours of the morning.
The 18-year-old was trapped inside the vehicle and was declared dead a short time later, despite the efforts of emergency services.
Teesside Crown Court heard how 27-year-old Holmes managed to flag down a passing ambulance but medics were unable to save the teenager’s life.
Lauren’s mother said: “My daughter Lauren Carol Rose Beavan, aged only 18, barely still a child, she was a beautiful, selfless, kind, loving young lady who was always smiling and full of life.
“Her death has not taken just one life, it has shattered and destroyed a whole family.
“A parent should never have to face losing their child, but we have and it has physically and mentally worn us to the ground.”
Holmes was found to be under the influence of cocaine and cannabis at the time of the crash on a road between Greatham village and the A689 near to Hartlepool on August 7 last year.
The father-of-four, of Mill Lane, Billingham, held only a provisional licence at the time of the crash.
He pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving whilst unfit and driving without a licence.
The defendant was jailed for eight years and banned from driving for 14 years.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Rachael Johnson said: “Lauren’s family are living with the pain of losing their daughter in a collision that was entirely avoidable.
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“One man chose to drive whilst under the influence of drugs, and that decision has had irreversible consequences for them.
“I welcome today’s sentencing. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel whilst intoxicated through drugs.
"Driving under the influence is reckless, irresponsible and puts innocent lives at risk.
“The message is simple: if you take drugs, do not drive. Your actions behind the wheel can destroy lives.”
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