Man admits causing deaths of three teens in Shipston-on-Stour crash

Joan Cummins

Midlands Today

Harry Purcell and Matilda Seccombe were two of the passengers who died in the crash

Families Harry Purcell wearing a red Birmingham City away kit and Matilda Seccombe in a white shirt — Harry Purcell and Matilda Seccombe were two of the passengers who died in the crash

A man has admitted causing the deaths by careless driving of three teenagers who were killed in a crash on their way home from school.

Edward Spencer, 18, was driving a Ford Fiesta near Shipston-on-Stour in April 2023 when it crashed with a Fiat 500 on Campden Road.

His passengers, Harry Purcell, 17, Matilda “Tilly” Seccombe, 16, and Frank Wormald, 16, all died.

Spencer, from Newbold on Stour, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to death by careless driving and three counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

The four teenagers had been travelling home from Chipping Campden School in Gloucestershire at the time of the crash.

Two children aged 10 and 12, who were traveling in the Fiat with their stepmother and another teenager, suffered “life-changing” injuries.

Spencer, who was 17 at the time of the crash, had previously pleaded not guilty to all six charges but changed his plea at the hearing on Monday.

Flowers were laid outside of Chipping Campden School in tribute to the three teenagers

A group of five people stood next to each other, in front of flowers that were been laid by a flag, at half mast, outside the front of a stone-built school building — Flowers were laid outside of Chipping Campden School in tribute to the three teenagers

Shortly after this death, Harry’s family said they were “broken” by their loss.

In a statement, they said: “Our hearts are broken but our love for Harry will live forever. He was so kind in every way and carried with him a contagious smile that everyone around him loved so much.”

Tilly was described as “a beautiful girl” by her family, who “made us so happy”.

“Our hearts go out to all who knew her and will share this terrible pain,” they said.

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