Speeding Driver Kills Young Woman in Shocking Crash
Matthew Shaw, 35, raced through a red light at 60mph — double the 30mph speed limit — before smashing into a car driven by 20-year-old Jennifer Sell. Jennifer died instantly at the scene. Shaw’s passenger was also hurt in the horror crash.
Deadly Collision at Somerset Junction
The fatal smash happened around 10.30pm on 31 July 2019 at a ‘T’ junction between Hayes Park Road and Northmead Road in Midsomer Norton, Somerset. Shaw later flunked a roadside breath test and refused a preliminary drugs test at the police station.
Repeat Offender Caught in New Crash
Just over a year later, on 4 November 2020, Shaw took his partner’s Mercedes — uninsured — and crashed again on the A371 between Evercreech and Shepton Mallet. His car swerved into oncoming traffic, smashing into another vehicle and causing damage.
Long Rap Sheet Ends in Jail Time
- Shaw has eight previous convictions, including drink-driving, dangerous driving, driving uninsured, and refusing breath and drug tests.
- He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to cooperate with a drugs test, aggravated vehicle taking, and driving without insurance.
- On 20 January 2021, Bristol Crown Court sentenced him to 7 years and 5 months behind bars.
- The Attorney General referred the sentence as unduly lenient.
- On 20 April 2021, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to 8 years and 9 months.
“Shaw’s dangerous and irresponsible driving led to the death of a young woman with her entire life before her. I referred his sentence because I felt it to be too low, and I am glad that the Court of Appeal chose to increase it today.” — Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, Attorney General
