Driver used laughing gas at wheel before crash killed teen cousin

Police have released a video showing a van driver inhaling 'hippy crack' laughing gas and using his phone moments before killing his teen cousin in a horror crash. Cameron Hughes, 23, who admitted causing death by dangerous driving, was jailed for seven and half years yesterday following Bonny Barrow's death. The courier was taking his 'bubbly' 15-year-old passenger for a family dinner in his Mercedes Sprinter van on July 7 this year.

But during the 35-minute journey, he was filmed sucking on a balloon filled with nitrous oxide, known as 'hippy crack', and looking at his phone instead of the road. Police said his vehicle was involved in "numerous close calls", including one where he bounced off a kerb at the edge of a carriageway at over 60mph during the trip. Dashcam footage revealed how when the van headed down a slip road on the A56 at Huncoat, Hughes failed to make a left-hand bend and it plunged into a ravine.

He was thrown from the vehicle and only suffered relatively minor wounds. But Bonny suffered serious injuries and despite the best efforts of medical staff, she tragically died the next day. Hughes admitted causing death by dangerous driving on August 17 and was jailed yesterday.

He was also banned from driving for eight years and nine months.

In an emotional tribute, Bonny's mum said he had denied her daughter the chance to "fully blossom" and become a "beautiful young woman". She said: "Bonny was an amazing daughter who was kind, loving and always wanted to spend time with her family and friends. "She loved doing all the things that teenagers do especially dancing, singing, shopping and making TikTok videos that we treasure.

We cherish the memories of her and the joy she brought us for the 15 years that she was in our lives. We all miss her so much and would do anything to have her back. "Cameron had one job that day - to get Bonny home to us safely.

But he made dangerous choices that led to her death and cost us the chance to watch her fully blossom in to the beautiful young woman she was becoming. "Bonny - I am so proud to be your mum. The love and laughter that you bought in to our lives can never be replaced.

"And even though we are now apart, my hand is always held out if you ever need to hold it." Sgt Laura Kendall, from Lancashire Police's serious collision investigation unit, said Hughes was entirely responsible for Bonny's death. She said: "Bonny was a much-loved bubbly teenager whose life has been cruelly taken away.

My heart goes out to her family and friends who have been so affected by her tragic loss. "Cameron Hughes is entirely responsible for what happened that day in July. "He chose to take nitrous oxide while driving, to use his mobile phone at the wheel and to drive dangerously. These avoidable actions led to the devastating collision that caused the death of Bonny."

Sgt Matt Davidson, also from the force's serious collision investigation unit, added: "Too often we see the aftermath of drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide. It is seen by many to be a harmless drug but as shown here, the consequences of misusing it can be fatal. "On 8th November 2023, nitrous oxide will become a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

We welcome this news in the hope that it deters this dangerous behaviour and prevents other families having to go through what Bonny's are."