Driver who killed teenager in 117mph crash jailed

A driver who killed a teenage girl in a crash after driving 117mph (188kph) on a 40mph (64kph) road has been jailed, police said.

Jack Cracknell was driving four people in his Ford Fiesta in the early hours of 3 December 2022 in New Dover Road, Canterbury, before losing control and hitting a kerb, roundabout, street furniture and a pub and hotel, police added.

Lucy Billingham, 18, was a passenger in rear left seat and died at the scene.

Cracknell, now 22, of Ospringe, Faversham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was jailed for six years at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday.

Another person in the car suffered a broken wrist and bruising to their body and arms.

Police said an investigation found Cracknell had been taking people to and from a nightclub in the city, before offering Ms Billingham and a friend a lift to a hotel.

He had driven past the hotel and ignored pleas to stop the vehicle, Kent Police added.

Det Con Lee Berridge said: "Lucy Billingham's death was completely avoidable had Cracknell driven sensibly and within the speed limit on the night of this incident."

Cracknell has also been disqualified from driving for eight years.

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