A man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for causing the death of a 12-year-old girl in a hit-and-run collision in North London.
Edward Tully, 30, of Norfolk Road, St John’s Wood, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 29 November, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
The tragic incident occurred on 20 August 2022 on Colney Hatch Lane, N11. Tully, driving a Bentley Continental at 56mph—26mph over the speed limit—collided with a Vauxhall Astra carrying the young girl and her family.
The impact left the girl with catastrophic injuries from which she tragically died days later in hospital. Her father suffered life-changing injuries, while her mother and brother sustained minor injuries.
Tully’s Reckless Actions
The court heard that just hours before the crash, Tully had spent £1,500 on alcohol at a bar. After the collision, he fled the scene, leaving the family in distress and delaying the investigation.
Tully handed himself in at Colindale Police Station the following day, where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court on 25 October 2024.
Investigation and Sentencing
Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit pieced together Tully’s movements using CCTV footage, building a strong case against him.
Detective Sergeant Nush Puvitharan, who led the investigation, said:
“Tully’s selfish actions have sadly resulted in the loss of a young life. My thoughts are with the family, who are dealing with the devastating loss of their daughter, who had a bright future ahead of her.
“I hope the sentence acts as a deterrent to those who choose to drink and drive. My team worked extremely hard to present strong evidence, and I want to thank them for their dedication. Drink driving has a horrific impact and destroys lives.”
Family’s Statement
In an emotional statement, the girl’s family said:
“There is some closure with the sentence, but it will never heal us. The pain will stay with us forever. We don’t want this to happen to any other family.
“We will miss our daughter. No sentence will bring her back. We implore anyone thinking of doing the same to think twice before drinking and driving. They don’t understand the devastation it causes. We waited over two years for justice due to the cowardly actions the defendant took.”
Call for Awareness
The case underscores the tragic consequences of drink driving and the importance of accountability. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to tackling dangerous driving and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
