Driver jailed for fatal high-speed crash

A man who caused the death of a woman in a high-speed crash has been jailed. 

Jack Cracknell, 22, was driving with four other passengers in his car in the early hours of the morning on 3 December 2022. 

Cracknell, of Faversham, Kent, reached speeds of 117mph as he drove along the New Dover Road in Canterbury, a road with a 40mph speed limit. 

As he approached a roundabout near the New Gate Inn pub, he hit a kerb, causing car to go into the air and roll over, before colliding with the pub building. 

Despite best efforts by emergency workers, one of the passengers, Lucy Billingham, 18, died at the scene. 

Another passenger suffered fractures to two bones and had to undergo an operation on the day of the collision to insert a metal plate and screws into their arm.  

Cracknell was sentenced to six years imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court on 31 January 2025. He was also disqualified from driving for eight years. 

Karen Fairley, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “This case highlights the devastating consequences of reckless and irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel. By driving at such dangerously high speeds, the defendant showed a blatant disregard for the safety of his passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians. 

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms Billingham whose life was cut short as a result. We hope this serves as a powerful reminder to all motorists of the serious responsibilities that come with being a driver.”