Sir John Deane’s College student locked up for three years after causing death by dangerous driving following Kelsall crash

Oct 21 2010 Chester Chronicle

A CINEMA trip ended in tragedy after a teenager’s dangerous driving caused her car to crash in Kelsall, killing her school friend.

Former Sir John Deane’s College student Amy Victoria Saulino, 19, of Northwich, was locked up for three years after she admitted unnecessarily speeding past cars on the A54, Kelsall, before losing control, fatally injuring front seat passenger 17-year-old Alice Worthington of Winsford.

Sentencing Saulino, who was also banned from driving for five years, Judge Thomas Teague said: “No sentence this court has power to impose can ever undo what you did.

“The value of human life can not be measured by years of prison sentence.”

“To you and those who know you and love you, no term of custody will seem fair, but after you will be able to resume your life.

“To the family and friends of Alice Worthington no term of custody will seem appropriate.”

Family and friends of Miss Worthington crowded into Chester Crown Court on Monday, hearing how the horrific events unfolded in March.

Before the four friends had arrived at the Cheshire Oaks cinema there were warning signs of what was to come after Saulino over took a slower moving vehicle, forcing the driver of an oncoming car to flash their lights.

“Alice Worthington said ‘that was close’ but Saulino smiled and said she knew she would make it and the incident was quickly forgotten,” said Sion Ap Mihangel, prosecuting.

“Having watched the film the four girls returned to the Mini, the defendant drove back to Northwich, stopping at the BP garage at Kelsall Hill.”

Shortly after, Saulino, at speeds of about 69mph, began recklessly over taking slower cars then a Renault Megane by a bend in the road near Grestys’ Waste on the A54 at about 9pm that night.

One of the girls shouted at Saulino ‘what are you doing, you don’t need to over take’, adding ‘she’s crazy’.

The Mini then hit a curb and flipped on to its roof.

“Alice suffered multiple injuries which led to heart failure despite the best efforts of medical staff and several attempts to resuscitate her it was met with no success,” added Mr Ap Mihangel.

Suffering from shock, Saulino initially said a badger had ran out in front of the car, forcing her to take evasive action.

A statement from Alice’s family read out in court described their devastation and said that ‘no one should ever have to go through this, no parent should have to feel this’.

Hunter Gray, defending Saulino – who had no previous convictions, said: “She did not set out that night to kill, seriously injure, or even harm anybody. It was intended to be an enjoyable night out with friends but in truth turned out to be a nightmare for all concerned.”

Cheshire Police Western Area Roads Policing Team sergeant Rachel Gallagher said: “We hope that today’s sentencing will help bring about a degree of closure for Alice’s family who have been devastated by the loss of a vibrant, young life.

“It is vital that young, inexperienced drivers take responsibility and think about how the manner of their driving can affect their lives, and the impact on the lives of others.”