The woman, 18, who killed two star pupils from the top boys’ grammar school in horror 2am car smash
A teenage girl has pleaded guilty to murdering two star students at a senior boys’ primary school who were passengers in her car when it crashed.
Madeleine Lonsdale admitted causing death by careless driving following the collision in the nearby village of Marston on June 20 last year.
His passengers, George Stephenson, 17, and Harrison Carter, 18, were killed when their Kia Niro hatchback crashed into a Ford Fiesta on the Toll Bar Road near Grantham just before 2am.
Lonsdale, 18, of Long Bennington, Lincolnshire, who has no previous convictions, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday wearing a black jacket, black trousers and a white shirt.
Due to the seriousness of the charge, the case was sent to Lincoln Crown Court for sentencing and the hearing will be held on March 13.
District Judge Daniel Church said: ‘This is a case that should be sentenced in the crown court.’
He granted him unconditional bail until then and also banned him from driving.
Tributes have already been paid to Mr Stephenson and Mr Carter, who were best friends and boys’ grammar academy students at The King’s School in Grantham.
Madeleine Lonsdale, 18, of Long Bennington, Lincolnshire, admitted causing death by careless driving following the collision in the nearby village of Marston on June 20 last year.
His passengers, 17-year-old George Stephenson (pictured) and 18-year-old Harrison Carter, were killed when their Kia Niro hatchback crashed into a Ford Fiesta on the Toll Bar Road near Grantham just before 2am.
Tributes were paid to Harrison (pictured), who was a pupil with George at The King’s School boys’ grammar academy in Grantham.
Mr Stephenson’s family said in a statement: ‘As a family we would like to thank everyone for their support at this incredibly difficult time.
‘We are all devastated to lose George in such a tragic accident and our lives will never be the same again.
‘He brought so much love and joy to so many people and was a truly kind and caring child.
While we deal with our loss and police continue their investigation, we urge people not to speculate about the cause of this accident.
‘So many lives have been shattered and nothing will bring our beautiful boy home.’
Meanwhile, Mr Carter’s family said: ‘We would like to thank everyone, especially our friends, family, The Kings School and Lincolnshire Police for the compassion and support shown to us following the horrific accident that affected our beloved son Harrison and his best friend George in the early hours of Friday 20 June.
‘Harrison touched so many lives and was a bright, talented and beautiful person inside and out. As you can imagine, we are heartbroken.
‘Due to the nature of the accident many families have been affected and our thoughts are with everyone involved.’
Lonsdale, who has no previous convictions, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday wearing a black jacket, black trousers and a white shirt.
Harrison’s family said: ‘We would like to thank everyone for the compassion and support shown to us, especially our friends, family, The Kings School and Lincolnshire Police.’
George’s family said in a statement: ‘As a family, we would like to thank everyone for their support at this incredibly difficult time.’
Condolences have also poured in from family, friends and well-wishers on online memorial pages for both boys.
A family friend wrote: ‘I think of George today and remember him as a student waiting for the door to open so he could enjoy lunch in the town with his friends.
‘Always smiling, popular and kind.’
She continued: ‘I think about Harry today and remember how his smile and enterprising personality could light up a room, especially a classroom.
‘The ability to talk to anyone and make them feel special was a gift.’
