Driver caused the deaths of two individuals while speeding to reach a beauty salon
A Mercedes driver fatally collided head-on with another car, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and severe injuries to a young boy. The court was informed that the driver was rushing to a beauty salon at the time of the tragic incident.
Laila Barnard-Wigley, aged 25, had previously arranged a meeting with the owner of a boutique in Bridlington, Yorkshire, scheduled for 3.30pm on May 7, 2021.
According to testimony presented to the jurors at Hull Crown Court, just before the planned meeting, Barnard-Wigley attempted to overtake another vehicle several times while en route.
Reportedly, she lost control of her black Benz and crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with a red Peugeot driven by Dean Yarrow, 33, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, Faye Wardle, 32, and a child.
Tragically, both Mr. Yarrow and Ms. Wardle succumbed to ‘catastrophic’ injuries at the scene, while the child in the rear seat sustained serious injuries, as detailed to the jurors.
Barnard-Wigley, a resident of Bridlington, refutes the accusation of causing the deaths of Mr. Yarrow and Ms. Wardle through dangerous driving. Additionally, she denies alternate charges of causing their deaths through careless or inconsiderate driving, as well as causing severe injury to a young boy through dangerous driving.
During the court proceedings, Michael Greenhalgh, the prosecuting counsel, informed the court about messages found on Barnard-Wigley’s phone indicating her communication with one of the salon workers regarding the sale of beauty products.
The defendant informed her that she would reach Bridlington by 3:30 pm,” he stated. The court was informed that the fatal crash took place at 3:28 pm.
“The prosecution alleges that the defendant was rushing to reach the destination.
He stated that Barnard-Wigley had attempted to overtake a motorist ‘five or six times’ during the journey, weaving in and out of traffic while doing so.
Jurors were informed that the driver mentioned to his passenger that it might be best to let her pass, and then commented on the spray coming from the back of the Mercedes due to standing water on the road.
Her vehicle was described as swaying heavily to the left before swerving to the right and colliding with the Peugeot.
Mr Greenhalgh stated, ‘Fundamentally, it was her responsibility for the collision.’
The trial, anticipated to run for approximately seven days, is ongoing.
