Man jailed for causing death of teenager

Bonny Barrow was a much-loved bubbly 15-year-oldschoolgirl had her whole life ahead of her – she loved singing and dancing and making TikTok videos, just like any other teenage girl.

But her young life was brutally cut short when driver Cameron Hughes crashed the van she was a passenger in and killed her.

Hughes, 23, high on nitrous oxide and on his mobile phone during the tragic journey on July 7, failed to negotiate a left-hand bend on the slip road of the A56 at Huncoat. His Mercedes Sprinter van plunged five metres into the ravine below.

Bonny suffered serious injuries and very sadly, and despite the best efforts of medical staff, died the next day at Wythenshaw Hospital.

Hughes was thrown from the vehicle and only suffered relatively minor injuries.

Hughes had picked up family friend Bonny from Manchester and was giving her a lift to Great Harwood where she was due to have dinner with her family who had recently moved there.

During the 35-minute journey which ended with the collision, there were numerous close calls with other vehicles, occasions where Hughes was driving in to the hard shoulder, straddling between lanes and in once instance his van bounced off a kerb at the edge of the carriageway at over 60mph.

The courier, of Haddington Drive, Manchester, admitted a charge of causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared at Preston Crown Court on Thursday, August 17.

He was sentenced to 7.5 years in jail and banned from driving for 8 years nine months.

In an emotional tribute Bonny’s family said: “Bonny was an amazing daughter who was kind, loving and always wanted to spend time with her family and friends. She loved doing all the things that teenagers do especially dancing, singing, shopping and making TikTok videos that we treasure.

“We cherish the memories of her and the joy she brought us for the 15 years that she was in our lives. We all miss her so much and would do anything to have her back. 

“Cameron had one job that day – to get Bonny home to us safely. But he made dangerous choices that led to her death and cost us the chance to watch her fully blossom in to the beautiful young woman she was becoming. 

“Bonny – I am so proud to be your mum. The love and laughter that you bought in to our lives can never be replaced. And even though we are now apart, my hand is always held out if you ever need to hold it.”

Sgt Laura Kendall from Lancashire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said “Bonny was a much-loved bubbly teenager whose life has been cruelly taken away. My heart goes out to her family and friends who have been so affected by her tragic loss.

Cameron Hughes is entirely responsible for what happened that day in July. He chose to take nitrous oxide while driving, to use his mobile phone at the wheel and to drive dangerously. These avoidable actions led to the devastating collision that caused the death of Bonny.”

Sgt Matt Davidson also from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said “Too often we see the aftermath of drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide. It is seen by many to be a harmless drug but as shown here, the consequences of misusing it can be fatal. On 8th November 2023, nitrous oxide will become a controlled Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. We welcome this news in the hope that it deters this dangerous behaviour and prevents other families having to go through what Bonny’s are.”