Teenagers killed as Audi driver smashed into car at 70mph
Two teenagers who had just finished their A-levels were killed when a mum-of-two ploughed into their car at high speed after drinking beer behind the wheel.
William Ray, 17, and Eddie Shore, 18, were sitting in a stationary Ford Fiesta at temporary traffic lights when Natasha Allarakhia’s Audi slammed into the back of their vehicle at 70mph, despite her having hit speeds of 96mph moments before.
The devastating crash on the A17 in North Rauceby, Lincolnshire, also left 17-year-old Jack Prince with life-changing injuries. The teenagers had been enjoying a night out watching football when the tragedy happened on 20 June last year.
Tears and lies at the roadside
Allarakhia, 36, was seen sipping beer from a can as she drove her two young daughters and her partner in the car that night. After the collision, she lied to police for over an hour, falsely claiming someone else had been driving and had fled the scene.
Her deception only added to the heartbreak for the families of the victims, who heard during the court case how she was banned from driving at the time and had ignored the clear sight of red traffic lights for more than 600 metres before impact.
Prosecutors said she barely braked, leaving just 37 metres between her and the car she hit, and was described in court as a “fast driver who doesn’t really concentrate.”
Families speak of heartbreak in emotional courtroom scenes
At Lincoln Crown Court on Monday, Allarakhia, from Norwich, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and banned from driving for more than 12 years. She will have to pass an extended retest before getting behind the wheel again.
William’s mum, Sarah Barker, said her son had always been by her side. “It’s like part of my identity died with Will,” she told the court.
Eddie’s mum, Kerri Foster, described her son as someone “everybody loved.” Holding back tears, she said, “I yearn for him constantly and remember all the special things about him. He was my baby boy.”
Allarakhia wept in the dock as the statements were read out, whispering “I’m so sorry” as the full impact of her actions became clear.
Driver admitted guilt but tried to flee responsibility at first
The court heard that while Allarakhia had consumed alcohol, she wasn’t over the legal limit. But her behaviour behind the wheel that night was described as grossly irresponsible. She had previously been disqualified for failing to respond to speeding charges.
Her defence said she felt deep remorse and never intended to drive again. The judge, however, told her: “These young men were greatly loved. They are greatly missed. What comes through most of all is the opportunities lost.”
Both William and Eddie died of head injuries. Their surviving friend now faces a lifetime of physical and emotional recovery.
Judge James House KC said the loss caused was immeasurable — and that no sentence could undo the pain Allarakhia’s reckless driving had caused.
