A driver who caused the death of her 22-year-old passenger has been sentenced today after admitting a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Demi-Elise Michaud, of Blawith, Ulverston, admitted the charge at an earlier hearing and was sentenced today (5 April) at Preston Crown Court to 14 months in prison. She was also disqualified from driving for two years, and must take an extended retest prior to regaining her license.

The court heard how Michaud had driven a grey Kia Ceed out of Centre Parcs in the early hours of 27 November 2019.

She, with her front seat passenger Matthew Brown alongside her, headed south on the M6 before exiting onto the A590.

As she was driving out of Backbarrow, Michaud attempted to negotiate a sweeping right-hand turn. However, the nearside of the vehicle collided with the slate stone parapet of a bridge.

The crash was so forceful that Mr Brown was ejected from the car.

A later examination of the vehicle revealed the force of the impact was so severe it had caused Matthew Brown’s seatbelt to snap.

Officers who attended the scene described it as being one of total devastation. The car itself was unrecognisable, such was the catastrophic nature of the damage.

Mr Brown was located some 15 to 20 metres from the wreckage, with injuries which were not survivable.

Michaud, who was uninjured, told officers at the scene that she had lost concentration prior to the crash.

In her police interview Michaud gave no comment responses to all questions. However, she admitted the offence at court.

Sergeant Lee Hill of Cumbria Police said: “This was a tragic case which resulted in a young man – who would now be the father to a two-year-old child – losing his life.

“It is undeniable from the impact of the collision that Michaud, as well as driving at an inappropriate speed, had been driving dangerously and without caution.

“The collision did not involve any other vehicles and was entirely avoidable, had Michaud been driving with anything approaching due care and attention.

“It is extremely important that we all as drivers give the road our full attention at all times and do not allow ourselves to be distracted at the wheel.”