Man jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

A 25-year-old Richmond man has today been sentenced to two years’ in prision for causing the death by dangerous driving of 20-year-old Naomi Buckle from Catterick.

Harry Elliott of Anteforth View, appeared at York Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

Along with the prison sentence he was also banned from driving for three years and ordered to take an extended driving test.

In December 2019, Mr Elliott drove from the Scotch Corner Hotel with four passengers who were friends including Naomi.

Just after 2am, Elliott lost control of the vehicle as it travelled downhill around a sharp left hand bend where the vehicle left the road and struck a tree.

Elliott initially pleaded not guilty to this offence but changed his plea at the start of the trial.

Sergeant Mark Patterson, Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“This is such a needless loss of a young life, something that could have been avoided.

“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of driving to the road conditions and complying with rules of the road. The rules are in place for a reason.

“Do not overestimate your driving ability and while there is no doubt where the responsibility for Naomi’s death lies, please, please make sure that fasten your seatbelt correctly.

“Naomi's family have shown incredible courage and bravery throughout this ordeal. They have suffered more than any prison sentence could compensate them for.”

Naomi’s family added this tribute:

“It has taken a long time to bring justice for our family. Naomi was a loving mum, daughter and sister, she is missed so much that words cannot describe, as a family we can’t comprehend how much this has affected and damaged us.”

“We can now finally put Naomi to rest after today, rest in peace Beautiful xxx”