A man has been jailed after causing the death of a teenage girl in a horrific crash, which occurred when he was driving at nearly three times the speed limit.
Jack Cracknell, 22, from Ospringe, Faversham, was sentenced to six years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, 31 January 2025, after admitting to charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The tragic incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, 3 December 2022, when Cracknell was driving four passengers in his Ford Fiesta after a night out at a nightclub. Investigations revealed that Cracknell was speeding at approximately 117mph in a 40mph zone along New Dover Road in Canterbury.
At such a high speed, Cracknell lost control of the vehicle, hitting a curb before colliding with a roundabout, street furniture, and The Old Gate Inn pub and hotel. Lucy Billingham, 18, who was sitting in the rear left seat of the car, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Another passenger sustained serious injuries, including a broken wrist and bruising to his body and arms.
The investigation into the crash revealed that Cracknell had been giving lifts to people after the nightclub and ignored pleas to stop as he drove past the hotel where Lucy and her friend were meant to be dropped off. Cracknell’s reckless driving continued as he increased speed on New Dover Road before losing control of the vehicle.
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A detailed investigation included sending a part of the car to its manufacturer in France for further analysis. Cracknell was arrested on the night of the incident and charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to both charges in November 2024.
Detective Constable Lee Berridge, who led the investigation, expressed his condolences: “Lucy Billingham’s death was completely avoidable, had Cracknell driven sensibly and within the speed limit. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of reckless and high-speed driving.”
He added, “My thoughts, and those of my team, are with Lucy’s family and friends, who continue to mourn their loss and remember her.
Cracknell’s sentencing reflects the severity of the consequences that can arise from dangerous driving, and his actions will forever impact the lives of those who loved Lucy.
