Driver Jailed After Deadly Crash That Ejected Passenger
Demi-Elise Michaud, from Blawith, Ulverston, has been sentenced to 14 months behind bars at Preston Crown Court for a shocking crash that killed her front-seat passenger. The incident occurred in the early hours of 27 November 2019, when Michaud lost control of her grey Kia Ceed near Backbarrow.
Deadly Impact on A590
Michaud was driving south from Centre Parcs along the M6 and took the A590 exit before the fatal turn. As she attempted a sweeping right-hand bend, the nearside of her car smashed into a slate stone bridge parapet.
- The collision was so violent it snapped Matthew Brown’s seatbelt.
- Brown was thrown from the vehicle, landing 15 to 20 metres away.
- His injuries were fatal.
- The car was left unrecognisable at the scene, described by officers as total devastation.
Driver Uninjured But Fault Admitted
Michaud escaped without injury and told police she had lost concentration prior to the crash. She gave no comment in her police interview but later admitted the charge in court.
Police Warn Drivers: Stay Focused Behind the Wheel
“This was a tragic case which resulted in a young man – who would now be the father to a two-year-old child – losing his life,” said Sergeant Lee Hill of Cumbria Police.
“Michaud was driving dangerously and at an inappropriate speed. The collision involved no other vehicles and was entirely avoidable if she had shown due care and attention.”
“It is extremely important that all drivers give the road their full attention at all times and avoid distractions at the wheel.”
Alongside her prison sentence, Michaud has been banned from driving for two years and must pass an extended driving test before regaining her licence.
