Driver's 113mph Gamble Kills Teen Passenger

Leon Callaghan, 19, has been sentenced to five years and three months in detention for causing the death of 17-year-old Demi-Leigh Davies. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 2024 when Callaghan lost control of a Seat Ibiza on the M65 motorway near Burnley, Lancashire, traveling at speeds exceeding 113mph.

Demi-Leigh suffered fatal crush injuries and passed away in hospital. The court heard Callaghan admitted to causing death by dangerous driving, with the judge noting his "grossly dangerous manoeuvre" at full throttle. Two other young women in the car, aged 17 and 19, sustained serious injuries but have recovered.

Callaghan, who was 17 at the time of the crash, was criticized by the judge for showing limited remorse and blaming external factors, such as his foot getting stuck between pedals. Demi-Leigh was described as a "funny, lively young woman" with a promising future, having just been offered her first job.

The crash involved the Seat Ibiza reaching speeds up to 129mph before striking the central reservation and rolling. None of the rear-seat passengers were wearing seatbelts. Callaghan has also received a nine-year driving ban.