Daniel Coburn: Driver was over drink and drug limit and had been on his phone when he killed woman, 81, in A120 crash

A driver who killed an 81-year-old mother and grandmother, who was on her way to a family celebration, in a car crash on the A120 at Standon has been jailed.

Daniel Coburn, 49, was over the limit for drink and drugs, and had been using his phone in the minutes leading up to the collision, including engaging in sexual acts.

The judge said that it was one of the worst cases of dangerous driving he had seen.

Coburn, of Watsham Place, Chelmsford, appeared at St Albans Crown Court, where he was sentenced to nine years and seven months’ imprisonment. He also received a driving ban of 13 years and four months with a mandatory extended retest.

He initially pleaded not guilty, but at a later case management hearing he changed his plea and admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

The collision happened on Standon Hill on Saturday 5 August, 2023, when a white Ford Transit drop-side vehicle driven by Coburn veered onto the wrong side of road and hit a Red Kia Picanto driven by Bethan Fraser-Andrews, who died at the scene.

Coburn was arrested and taken into custody, and later bailed as the investigation continued. Evidential findings showed that he was over the limit for alcohol, cocaine and MDMA.

Officers were able to prove that he was using his phone in the events leading up to the collision, including engaging in sexual acts and conversations while driving.

Judge Francis Sheridan told the court: “I sit here today looking at three heartbroken children who should never have to have suffered the loss of their mother.”

He told Coburn: “You should never have been behind the wheel of any vehicle, let alone a commercial vehicle while intoxicated through alcohol and drugs.”

Det Con Dale Morris, from the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Coburn’s selfish and dangerous actions have torn a mother and grandmother away from her family.

“On the day of the collision Bethan was on her way to meet her family for a belated celebration.

“Coburn’s driving was highly dangerous, and it was evident he had no thought or consideration for anyone around him.

“I want to thank Bethan’s children, grandchildren and family for their bravery during this process. To show this bravery in the face of such an awful loss is admirable.”

Elisabeth, Bethan’s daughter, said: “We are still coming to terms with the fact that she is gone.

“I would like to reflect on the life my mum was enjoying at the age of 81 when her life was so tragically ended.

“She was very active and she had many varied interests. She played tennis the day before she died, she walked, went bird spotting, enjoyed painting and sang in local choirs.

“Her calendar when she died was full of things she was looking forward to, including a tennis tournament and looking after our dogs.”

James, Bethan’s younger son, said: “Mum was devoted to her family and we were devoted to her.

“She was killed on her way to do what she did best – to be a loving mother and grandmother, to spend time with those she loved and who now will never enjoy her uniquely funny insights, her laughter and her energetic zest for life that was undimmed even at 81 years of age.”

John, Bethan’s elder son, said: “We are all devastated to have lost her. Our four children were all close to her as she was an integral part of their childhood. These four young adults have lost one of their greatest supporters and a fine role model.

“It would be of some comfort that some good can come from our great loss that a strong message is sent from this case, that driving under the influence of drugs and drink turns vehicles into killing machines and is not tolerated in our society. This will help others avoid the pain and loss that we suffer.”