Drug-driver jailed after couple die in horror A303 crash
A woman in her 20s has been jailed for three years after a fatal crash in Somerset last year. Jessica Higgs, now 20, was involved in the horror crash on the A303 which resulted in the death of a couple.
Thelma Huse and Tony Mist, both aged 69, tragically lost their lives when the red Fiat 500 they were travelling in was hit by a blue Mercedes Citan van driven by Higgs on 15 May 2023.
An eyewitness informed the police that they saw the van veer from the eastbound carriageway across the central white line before it crashed into the Fiat.
Tony, who was at the wheel of the car, was declared dead at the scene in West Camel. His partner, Thelma, sadly died due to her injuries the following day.
Higgs was taken to hospital where blood tests revealed she had an amount of benzoylecgonine in her blood that was above the legal limit. Benzoylecgonine is a substance that appears in the human body after cocaine use.
The electrical apprentice later pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drugs.
Higgs, of Imber Road in Warminster, received a sentence of three years and five months at Taunton Crown Court today (Friday 2 August). She has also been banned from driving for six years and eight months.
Thelma’s family have said: “We have been devastated by the totally preventable actions of Jessica Higgs who through her drug use has caused the death of Thelma and Tony.
“Thelma’s children Kate, James and Bones, along with Tony’s children Amy and Sophie, have been through the worst year of their lives.
“Her five grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Lucy, Art and Abel have been deprived of a doting grandmother, known affectionately as Nanny Tea Bag.
“There are no winners in this case and the sentence handed out today will not bring Thelma or Tony back but we hope that Jessica Higgs will spend her time in custody reflecting on the pain she has caused our families and also on her stupidity of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after taking an illegal drug.
“We also hope that others will learn from this – as no journey is so important that it should take place when your brain is compromised by the effect of drugs.
“We would also like to thank all the emergency services, the air ambulance, the lady who comforted Thelma at the scene and the staff at Southmead Hospital in Bristol who tried so hard to save Thelma. We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police for all their support over the past 15 months which has been commendable, thank you again.”
Tony Hall, officer in the case, said: “Tony and Thelma were travelling to the West Country to celebrate his upcoming 70th birthday when this awful tragedy occurred. Our thoughts are with their loved ones, who continue to be supported by a family liaison officer.
“Jessica Higgs was found to be over the legal limit for benzoylecgonine, and during her police interview said she had no recollection of the moments prior to the collision.
“It is every motorist’s responsibility to make sure they are in fit enough to drive before getting behind the wheel and it is clear Higgs was not.
“This is another painful and devastating reminder that driving while under the influence of drugs is a deadly decision that puts yourself and innocent road users at serious risk.”
References
- ^ Man charged with murdering woman (www.somersetlive.co.uk)