Drink-Driver Who Killed Flight Attendant on M2 Pleads Guilty – Faces Jail and Deportation
Fatal M2 Crash Caught on Dashcam
A drink-driver who smashed into a United Airlines flight attendant’s car on the M2, killing her instantly, has admitted his guilt. Sensenal Amaglo, 42, from Bodmin, Cornwall, faced Maidstone Crown Court on February 7, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to causing the death of Heidie Lee Locke, 58, from Broadstairs, by dangerous driving.
The horror crash happened on November 27, 2022, between Junctions 6 (Faversham) and 5 (Sittingbourne), shutting the motorway for 10 hours as police investigated.
Court heard Amaglo was not just over the drink-drive limit but also speeding when he ploughed his Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG into Miss Locke’s Nissan Qashqai at 6 AM. His own dashcam caught the chilling 30-minute footage showing his reckless speeds, erratic driving, and driver commentary right before the smash.
Miss Locke, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and living in Broadstairs since 2007, died at the scene.
Prosecutor Demands Heavy Sentence
Prosecutor Ben Irwin described the case as “an offence of the most serious kind.” He told the court:
“The sentencing starting point is 12 years, with a range between 8 and 18 years.”
Parts of Amaglo’s dashcam footage will feature during sentencing, revealing his dangerous speeds and reckless attitude behind the wheel.
Blood Alcohol Level Nearly Twice Legal Limit
Tests showed Amaglo’s blood alcohol level was just under twice the legal limit when arrested. Though initially charged separately with causing death by careless driving while unfit, this has been merged into the main charge of causing death by dangerous driving.
Victim Remembered as ‘Lovely and Caring’ Flight Attendant
Heidie Locke was a well-loved long-haul flight attendant for United Airlines, with a 30-year career and a passion for photography. Colleagues praised her as a “beautiful person whose life was cut way too short.”
Friend Teresa Delafons said:
“She was always up for a laugh and kept us all entertained on flights to the USA. She will be missed by everyone at United and Pan Am, where she began her career.”
United Airlines expressed deepest condolences to her family.
Defendant Faces Jail and Likely Deportation
Amaglo, a father of four originally from Ghana, was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2018. However, his renewal application is now on hold pending sentencing.
His lawyer, Roy Headlam, admitted deportation is likely:
“He is under no illusions; custody is inevitable and deportation now looms.”
Despite the severity, Judge Catherine Moore granted Amaglo bail on strict conditions: surrendering his passport, no overseas travel documents, and an interim driving ban. Bail is only so he can “sort his affairs” before sentencing, set for May 12, 2025 – one day before his 43rd birthday.
“Custody is inevitable,” Judge Moore warned.
Long Prison Term Expected
Amaglo will face a hefty jail sentence when he returns to Maidstone Crown Court in May. This tragic case highlights the deadly consequences of drink-driving and reckless driving.
More updates will follow as the sentencing date nears.
