A drink-driver who caused a fatal crash on the M2, killing a United Airlines flight attendant on her way to work, has pleaded guilty and faces a lengthy jail term and possible deportation.
Sensenal Amaglo, 42, of Finn VC Estate, Bodmin, Cornwall, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today (February 7, 2025) where he admitted causing the death of Heidie Lee Locke, 58, from Broadstairs, by dangerous driving.
The crash, which happened on November 27, 2022, between Junctions 6 (Faversham) and 5 (Sittingbourne), led to a 10-hour road closure as police carried out investigations.
Dashcam Footage Captured Fatal Crash
The court heard that Amaglo was over the drink-drive limit and speeding when he crashed his Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG into Miss Locke’s Nissan Qashqai at around 6 AM.
The moment of impact and nature of his reckless driving were recorded on his own dashcam, with 30 minutes of footage showing his speed, commentary, and erratic behaviour behind the wheel.
Miss Locke, who hailed from Cleveland, Ohio, and had lived in Broadstairs since 2007, died at the scene.
Amaglo was arrested shortly after and initially denied the charge, forcing a trial preparation hearing last year. However, today, he finally pleaded guilty, avoiding the need for a full trial.
Prosecution: “An Offence of the Most Serious Kind”
Prosecutor Ben Irwin told the court that the case involved gross recklessness, adding:
“This is an offence of the most serious kind. The sentencing starting point is 12 years, with a range between 8 and 18 years.”
He also confirmed that some of Amaglo’s dashcam footage will be played in court during sentencing, as it captures his own commentary and dangerously high speeds leading up to the crash.
Drink-Drive Limit Nearly Twice Over
Amaglo initially faced an additional charge of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs, but this has now been incorporated into the main charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Tests revealed that his blood alcohol level was just under twice the legal limit when he was arrested.
Flight Attendant Remembered as a ‘Lovely and Caring Friend’
Miss Locke, who worked as a long-haul flight attendant for United Airlines, was highly respected by colleagues.
Her friend Teresa Delafons, who flew with her on transatlantic flights, paid tribute:
“She was a beautiful person whose life was cut way too short.
“She was always up for a laugh and kept us all entertained on our flights across to the USA.
“She was a lovely, caring person. She will be missed by all who knew her, especially all of us at United as well as Pan Am, where she started her career.”
A statement from United Airlines expressed the company’s deepest condolences to her family.
Miss Locke, also a passionate photographer, had travelled the world throughout her 30-year career and documented her adventures through her art.
Defendant Faces Deportation After Jail Term
Amaglo, a father of four, originally from Ghana, was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2018.
However, the court heard that his renewal application is currently on hold with the Home Office pending the outcome of his sentencing.
His lawyer, Roy Headlam, acknowledged that deportation is now likely, stating:
“He is under no illusions that there are no alternatives to custody, and he also now faces the prospect of deportation.”
Granted Bail to “Sort Affairs” Before Sentencing
Despite the seriousness of the offence, Judge Catherine Moore granted Amaglo bail, with conditions including:
However, Judge Moore warned that bail was only being granted so Amaglo could “sort his affairs” before his sentencing on May 12—one day before his 43rd birthday.
“Custody is inevitable,” she told him.
Sentencing Expected to Be Lengthy
Amaglo will return to Maidstone Crown Court on May 12, 2025, where he is expected to receive a significant prison sentence.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drink-driving and reckless behaviour on the roads.
More updates to follow as sentencing approaches.
