Speeding motorist high on cocaine ran down girl of six
The mother of a six-yearold girl killed by a speeding driver high on a cocktail of drugs and drink has vowed to fight for justice after he was jailed for just six years.
John Stephen Owen, 46, was almost twice the drink and drug drive limit after taking cocaine when he lost control of his car, careered on to the other side of the road and mounted the kerb hitting Sharlotte Naglis.
Sharlotte, who was walking home with her father, died instantly in the crash in North Staffordshire in June 2021. During his sentencing in October it emerged that Owen had previously committed a drink driving offence.
he was doing around 48mph in a 30mph zone and was on his phone just moments before the crash. Owen apologised for her death, but said he had no recollection because of a brain injury caused by the collision.
he was jailed for six years and two months and handed an eight-year driving ban after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. Judge Paul Glenn told him: ‘You killed an innocent six-year-old child by driving at excessive speed, 48mph in a 30mph limit shortly before the collision. You lost control of your car while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. In each case, close to double the proscribed limit.’
The victim’s mother Claire Reynolds, 37, was disgusted at the sentence, walking out of court in fury. She said: ‘It’s an insult. he won’t even serve half of the length of Sharlotte’s life.’
her MP appealed to have the sentence reviewed as ‘unduly lenient’ but this was rejected. In November she vowed to fight on.