A reckless driver has been locked up after killing a 20-year-old woman and her beloved dog in Birmingham.
20-Year-Old Woman and Dog Killed in High-Speed Crash
Lucy Atkins was out walking her Lakeland Terrier, Simba, in Quinton when disaster struck. On 24 June last year, a speeding car hit Lucy on West Boulevard, killing her instantly. Tragically, Simba also died at the scene.
Driver Caught Doing Over Double the Speed Limit
West Midlands Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit found that Danielle Mitten, 34, was driving at up to 82mph on a road with a 40mph limit. At the moment of impact, she was still speeding at 63mph.
Mitten pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced on 21 November. She will spend five years and four months behind bars and is banned from driving for seven years and eight months. She must also pass an extended driving test before getting her licence back.
Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute
“The loss of Lucy, together with our dog Simba, has brought immense pain to all our lives,” the family said.
“Lucy was a force of nature who touched all she knew. She was loving, kind, caring and full of life.”
“My son wants Ms Mitten to know that while he wishes Lucy were still here, he does not hold this against her. We all want to move on and live in Lucy’s honour, not in sadness — because that is what she would have wanted.”
“Nothing will bring Lucy and Simba back, but if this tragedy helps stop someone else from driving dangerously, then Lucy’s death will not be in vain.”
