A driver who killed a 17 year old in Cornwall by driving on the wrong side of the road has avoided jail time.
His actions resulted in the death of a teenage driver and caused serious injury to another person. He pleaded guilty to both causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
On April 27, 2023, Hitchcock drove his van over double white lines, entering the wrong lane in Stoke Climsland. His van hit Alisha Osman’s car head-on.
Alisha, 17, died in the crash, and her friend, Imogen Holt, 16, who was in the passenger seat, was also hurt. Imogen still has injuries from the crash. Alisha was giving Imogen a ride home, and they planned to go to the supermarket; she had just passed her driving test.
Hitchcock claims he doesn’t know why he drove on the wrong side of the road. He remembers driving uphill and then suddenly finding himself in the opposite lane; he told this to the police. He wasn’t trying to pass anyone and had felt drowsy earlier that day, but he opened the window and felt better. He had taken antihistamines for hay fever.
Scientists doubted that the medicine affected his driving. Neither car was driven dangerously before the incident. Hitchcock suddenly drove into the wrong lane, although occupants saw nothing unusual before the collision. He was driving around 45 mph in a 50 mph zone, and there were signs indicating a return to the correct lane earlier, due to double white lines.
A witness observed Hitchcock’s sudden movement right after the double white lines started. This witness braked hard before hearing a loud crash.
Imogen recalled that Hitchcock’s van seemed out of control, moving directly toward them. Her injuries included a haematoma, a fractured femur, and other external and internal wounds. Imogen spent days in intensive care, needing multiple surgeries, and still receives treatment today; She has nightmares due to PTSD.
Alisha’s mother, Angela, spoke about her daughter, revealing Alisha’s love for animals and tractors. Alisha helped her father on the farm and had plans to study agriculture. Furthermore, Alisha enjoyed rugby very much, she was a big fan. She brightened the days of those she knew. Ms. Osman said that her world collapsed after Alisha died.
Hitchcock’s lawyer stated that he felt remorse and accepted responsibility early by pleading guilty. The judge noted no evidence of speeding or drug use and called it a momentary loss of control.
Hitchcock received a suspended sentence and must complete unpaid work, also, he is prohibited from driving for two years. The judge acknowledged that nothing could ease their pain. Hitchcock was sentenced at Truro Crown Court.