Two learner drivers have been jailed for 10 years after their ‘stupidity and arrogance’ caused the death of a ‘beautiful and kind’ carer.
Ella Smith’s family spoke out in court to explain the devastation and lasting impact the actions of Jago Clarke and Emma Price had on their lives, as the pair were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court had heard how Clarke was driving Ella’s car on June 13, 2021, when he crashed into an oncoming vehicle. An investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police was able to prove he was driving competitively with Emma Price as they made their way home from Broadhaven Beach.
Tragically, Ella died at the scene of the crash, which her dad Adrian attended as an on-duty firefighter – an experience he said ‘haunts’ him.
Describing his daughter as having ‘a beautiful smile, infectious giggle and a pure heart’, Adrian spoke in court about the ‘enormous pain’ he feels having lost her.
“Ella was 21, she had her life ahead of her and has lost so much,” he said.
“She will never have the chance to get married, I will never be able to walk her down the aisle, she will never get the chance to look amazing in her wedding dress. Ella will never become a mum and I will never be a grandfather to Ella’s children.”
“I miss and yearn for Ella every day, for a cuddle, for a chat, for a random conversation,” he added. “The closest I get now is a conversation each morning and each evening with her ashes, where we discuss my day and I tell her I love her, give her photograph a kiss and tell her she is the brightest star in the sky.”
The court heard how 21-year-olds Clarke and Price were seen swerving their vehicles and driving dangerously after leaving the beach. Ella had not spent the day with the group but had gone to Broadhaven that evening when Clarke asked her for a lift. Her devastated family do not know why he was driving her car when he careered into another vehicle.
The collision also caused serious injuries to the passenger in the other car. Daisy Buck – she will also be reading out a VPS in court.
The blue Citroen being driven by Price was not physically involved in the collision, however, a lengthy investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police proved the manner of her driving was sufficient to be charged with causing Ella’s death.
Both Clarke, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, Milford Haven, and Price, of Holloway, Haverfordwest, were found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a trial at Swansea Crown Court. Price was also found guilty of causing death by driving while unlicensed and uninsured.
On Friday they were sentenced to 10 years in prison.
