Drink-Driver Crashes Into Stranded Car, Killing Teen Girl
Benjamin Henley was over two and a half times the legal drink-drive limit when he smashed into a stranded black Audi on the A249 slip road near Chatham on 24 October 2018. The 45-year-old, of Illustrious Close, failed to spot the broken-down car around 11.50pm and crashed into it.
15-Year-Old Georgia Mann Dies After Collision
Inside the stranded Audi was 15-year-old Georgia Mann from Sittingbourne. She was rushed to hospital but tragically died on the morning of 26 October. Also injured were a woman in her 20s with serious injuries and a man in his 20s who suffered chest wounds. Both have since recovered.
Henley Jailed for Seven Years, Banned for Nine and a Half
Henley admitted causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving. On 20 September at Maidstone Crown Court, he was jailed for seven years and banned from driving for nine and a half years. He will also face an extended driving retest before being allowed on the road again.
Stranded Driver Acquitted of Causing Death
The Audi’s driver had left Georgia and another passenger inside after running out of petrol and went to fetch fuel before the smash. The driver was charged with causing death by careless driving but was found not guilty following trial.
Investigating officer Darren Chapman of Kent Police said: “This sentencing has come nearly three years after the collision, and I want to commend the bravery and stoicism that Georgia’s family have displayed throughout court proceedings. This was an awful incident in which a young girl lost her life and while no sentence will bring Georgia back, I hope the outcome provides some closure.”
