Derby Woman Jailed Over Tragic M1 Crash That Killed Two Children
Mary McCann, 35, from Bamford Avenue, Derby, has been sentenced to four years and one month in prison after a fatal crash on the M1 last August. The crash claimed the lives of her two children, aged four and ten.
Deadly Collision on the M1
On the night of Monday 9 August, at around 11:10pm, McCann was driving northbound between junctions 14 and 15 when she drifted from lane two into lane one. She collided with the back of a white Scania lorry.
Her children, Lilly McCann, four, and Peter McCann, ten, died at the scene. A two-year-old girl travelling in the car escaped serious injury, and the lorry driver was unharmed.
Shocking Failures Behind The Crash
Investigation revealed that both children were not wearing seatbelts or in proper child seats. McCann was found to be speeding and under the influence of alcohol—three of the deadly “Fatal Four” factors linked to serious crashes.
“This was a tragic incident in which two young children lost their lives,” said Detective Constable Ian Stevens of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. “My thoughts remain with their family at this incredibly difficult time.”
“I want to stress the crucial importance of using child seats correctly, not drinking and driving, and sticking to speed limits — failure to do so can have devastating consequences.”
Long Road to Redemption
McCann was disqualified from driving for seven years and two weeks. After her sentence, she must pass an extended retest to regain her licence.
This sentencing follows her guilty plea at Aylesbury Crown Court on 16 February.
