Learner Drivers Jailed for 10 Years Over Fatal Crash That Killed Young Carer
Two learner drivers have been locked up for a decade after their reckless driving ended the life of Ella Smith, a “beautiful and kind” carer. The court heard how their “stupidity and arrogance” led to a fatal crash, devastating Ella’s family.
Family Heartbreak as Father Describes Loss
Ella’s father, Adrian, spoke emotionally in court about the unbearable pain. Adrian, an on-duty firefighter at the time of the crash, described how the tragedy still “haunts” him. He said, “Ella was 21, she had her life ahead of her and has lost so much.”
He added, “She will never have the chance to get married, I will never be able to walk her down the aisle. Ella will never become a mum and I will never be a grandfather to Ella’s children.”
Adrian revealed his daily pain: “I miss and yearn for Ella every day, for a cuddle, for a chat, for a random conversation. Now, I talk to her ashes morning and night, telling her she is the brightest star in the sky.”
Deadly Joyride from Broadhaven Beach
On June 13, 2021, Jago Clarke was driving Ella’s car when he smashed into an oncoming vehicle. The court learned Clarke and co-defendant Emma Price were racing each other on the way home from Broadhaven Beach.
Ella hadn’t spent the day with them but gave Clarke a lift that evening. It remains unclear why Clarke was behind the wheel of her car during the crash.
While Price’s blue Citroen wasn’t directly involved in the collision, police proved her dangerous driving contributed to Ella’s death.
Convictions and Sentencing at Swansea Crown Court
- Both 21-year-olds Clarke and Price were found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
- Price was also convicted of driving while unlicensed and uninsured.
- Daisy Buck, the seriously injured passenger in the other car, read a victim personal statement in court.
On Friday, Clarke and Price were each sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Their reckless actions have left a family shattered and a community mourning.
