Driver using phone accelerates through red light, resulting in the tragic death of a 14-year-old boy in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. The driver, Evie Wiles, 25, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison for the incident that claimed the life of Christopher Arnett on February 2, 2023. Judge Andrew Hatton at Luton Crown Court dismissed Wiles’ claim that the traffic light was amber when she approached it, stating that he was convinced the light had turned red. Wiles was distracted by her phone, exchanging Whatsapp messages with her partner, when her car hit Christopher at the junction of London Road with Two Waters Road.
The judge highlighted the difficulty in determining Wiles’ exact speed at the time of the collision, but noted that she had admitted to initially approaching the lights at 20-30mph before accelerating to 30-35mph. Despite denying the charge of causing Christopher’s death by dangerous driving, Wiles was found guilty in court. As she was sentenced, Christopher’s parents, Claire and Lee Arnett, expressed the profound impact of their son’s loss. Claire mourned the future moments she will miss with her son, describing him as one of her best friends. Lee recalled Christopher’s love for Lego, Star Wars, Dr. Who, and being an Explorer Scout, emphasizing the nightmare their family has been living since his passing.
Christopher’s parents criticised Wiles for her lack of remorse and failure to apologise for her actions. They described Christopher as a bright individual destined to do good in the world, highlighting his involvement in scouting and imminent pursuit of the Duke of Edinburgh award. Representing the Arnett family, solicitor Sam Collard commended the resolution of the legal proceedings, allowing the grieving family to find peace in their son’s memory. The Arnetts expressed their enduring pain over the loss of Christopher in a statement, condemning Wiles for the devastation caused by her reckless actions.
Despite Wiles’ young age and lack of previous convictions, the judge imposed a substantial sentence and driving ban, emphasising the severe consequences of her irresponsibility behind the wheel. The defence, led by Christopher Martin, acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident but highlighted Wiles’ lack of criminal history prior to the accident. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the devastating effects of distracted driving and the importance of road safety for all individuals. The tragedy underscores the need for drivers to prioritise attention on the road to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from reoccurring.