Driver who killed student and her dog while going more than double to speed limit is jailed for five years
A speeding driver has been jailed after killing a 20-year-old student walking his dog, while the family heartbreakingly said they forgave his killer.
Lucy Atkins died after being hit by a car in Quinton, near Birmingham, on June 24 last year. He had been out for a walk with Simba, the family’s beloved Lakeland Terrier, who also died in the collision.
The driver, 34-year-old Danielle Mitten, was traveling up to 82 mph in a 40 mph zone shortly before the crash and struck Lucy at 63 mph.
In a moving statement, Lucy’s mother said she wanted her son to let Mitten know he forgave him for the accident.
He said: ‘My son wishes Miss Mitten to know that, although she wishes her sister Lucy were still here, she does not hold that against her; because he wants all of us, including Miss Mitten, to be able to move on with our lives and live our lives with Lucy’s dignity and not in sadness.
‘Because that’s what Lucy would have wanted.’
Mitten, from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced on Friday.
He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison and disqualified from driving for seven years and eight months. He also must complete a lengthy retest before being allowed back on the road.
Lucy Atkins died after being struck by a car on West Avenue in Quinton on June 24 last year.
Police investigation revealed the driver, 34-year-old Danielle Mitten, was traveling at speeds of up to 82 mph in a 60 mph zone shortly before the crash.
Lucy had just completed her first year at Cardiff University where she was studying for a BA in Business Management.
Lucy’s family paid a moving tribute, adding: ‘The loss of Lucy and our dog Simba has brought great pain into all our lives.
We described ‘Lucy’ as a force of nature who touches everything she knows or meets. He was full of life and enjoyed life. Lucy was loving, kind, compassionate and thoughtful.
He continued: ‘Nothing will bring back our beloved Lucy and Simba, but if the pain I have described that this tragedy has inflicted on us is made public and prevents anyone else from driving dangerously and killing someone, then Lucy’s death will not have been in vain.’
Police said the devastating crash was completely preventable and urged drivers to consider the lasting consequences of dangerous speeding.
