Edward Spencer, 19, pleads guilty to driving charges following death of three teenagers

Police urged young drivers and their parents to be aware of the consequences of driving carelessly, after a teenager admitted his guilt over the deaths of three friends and seriously injuring a stepmum and her two children.

Edward Spencer, 19, of Armscote Road, Newbold on Stour, appeared at Warwick Crown Court today (Monday) where he changed his plea to guilty on six counts: three counts of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving; and three counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The charges relate to the triple fatal collision on the Campden Road/B4035 near Stretton-on-Fosse on Friday, 21st April 2023.

Spencer was the driver of a Ford Fiesta containing three other teenagers, all students at Chipping Campden School. As they travelled away from the school towards Shipston they were involved in a collision with a Fiat 500 at about 4.10pm.

Harry Purcell, 17, Tilly Seccombe, 16, and Frank Wormald, 16, tragically died as a result of their injuries.

The occupants of the Fiat 500 – a woman and two children – were taken to hospital with serious injuries, some of which were described as ‘life-changing’ at the time.

Spencer pleaded not guilty to the charges at a previous hearing at the crown court in September but changed his plea ahead of the case going before a jury.

“Drivers need to be aware of the devastating consequences that can occur if a car is driven carelessly,” commented Inspector Michael Huntley from the Warwickshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit after Spencer switched his plea.

Inspector Huntley urged young people and their parents to consider the limitations of being a newly qualified driver.

He added: “Edward Spencer had only passed his test five weeks prior to the collision and his careless actions cost the lives of three young people travelling in his car.

“Driving requires judgment and care, even more so when you lack experience. As this tragic case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be devastating.

“So many lives have been ruined by this terrible incident. I can’t begin to imagine the pain this has caused, and our thoughts remain with the individuals and families affected.

“Edward Spencer will live with the consequences of his careless actions for the rest of his life, as will the families of all those involved.”

Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Monday 17 March, Spencer, 19, of Armscote Road, Newbold on Stour, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by careless driving.

Sentencing will take place on 28th April at Warwick Crown Court.