Unlicensed Driver Jordon White Jailed for Deadly Crash in Bedfordshire
Jordon White, 20, has been locked up for six years after a deadly joyride in Bedfordshire. Driving high on cannabis and without a licence, White recklessly overtook on double white lines – sending his black Vauxhall Corsa spinning out of control on Toddington Road near Tebworth.
Crash Kills Two, Injures Two Others
The unroadworthy Corsa, sporting fake plates and no MOT, smashed into a hedge before backing into a tree. White’s ex-girlfriend, Ellie Ogden-Cooper, 20, was violently thrown from the vehicle and died. Reece White, 23, was found dead in the back seat. Two others, a 21-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, were seriously injured.
“This defendant was driving a car with four other people in it,” prosecutor Stefan Weidmann told the court. “It passed another car at high speed while crossing double white lines on the crest of a hill. It was a terrible piece of driving.”
White Caught Fleeing Scene, Claimed He Was Just a Passenger
After the smash, White and two surviving passengers fled the scene. He was found hiding in a shed nearly two hours later, nursing multiple fractures. Despite his claims of being just a passenger with his brother behind the wheel, a blood test revealed White’s cannabis level at 2.6mg – way over the legal limit of 2mg.
White had no insurance, no valid licence (only provisional), and had ignored warnings about his dangerous driving. Witnesses reported he was driving recklessly to impress Ms Ogden-Cooper, with whom he had been smoking cannabis all day.
Judge Slams Driver’s ‘Callous’ Attitude, Bans Him From Roads for Nine Years
Judge Michael Kay QC blasted White for his “cowardly” behaviour, including fleeing the scene and trying to blame his deceased brother. “It’s almost beyond comprehension,” said the judge.
White was sentenced to six years in prison and banned from driving for nine years.
Heartbroken Families Mourn Ellie and Reece
“As a family, we will never be able to get over the loss of our beautiful Ellie. We’re shattered. All we have are precious memories,” said Ms Ogden-Cooper’s grieving mother.
“We are devastated by the loss of Reece,” said his family. “He left an indelible mark on everyone he met and a void in the family that will never be filled.”
Good Samaritans Rewarded
Two drivers who stopped to help the injured Reece White will receive £500 each in High Sheriff’s awards for their bravery.
