Mum's 'world fell apart' after teen daughter dies in horror car crash at hands of speeding boyfriend

A grieving mother has told how she will be "haunted forever" after her teenage daughter was killed in a horrific crash by her boyfriend - who then continued to drive illegally for months after her death.

Lily-May Vaughan, 17, was described as "full of life and happiness" by her devastated family. The popular schoolgirl from Kidderminster was killed instantly when the car she was in, driven by then-17-year-old Logan Addison, veered off a rural road and smashed into an electricity pole near Shawbury Heath, Shropshire, flipping onto its roof.

This week, Addison, now 20, was jailed for five-and-a-half years after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. He has also been banned from driving for eight years, which will begin only after his release from prison.

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Speaking through tears at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Lily-May’s mum, Leanne Vaughan, recalled the moment her life changed forever on February 4, 2023.

"My whole world fell apart," she told the court. "It felt as if the ground beneath me vanished. I collapsed, the weight of it all crushing me.

"I will always be haunted by the fact that I was not there to hold Lily while she passed."

The primary school teacher said she screamed for over an hour when she received the news, describing it as a "wild, frantic animal cry". Her grief has since consumed her life. "I’ve retreated from society," she said. "I struggle to connect with the world outside."

During the trial, the court heard how Addison, who had only recently passed his driving test, was speeding when he lost control of the car. An eyewitness recalled seeing the vehicle flash past in a blur, while investigators concluded he had been driving above the 60mph limit on the narrow country road.

Judge Deni Matthews told Addison during sentencing: "No-one can truly know how fast you were going, but you were in excess of the speed limit. The people of this county need protection from you."

Lily-May’s family were left horrified when they later learned that Addison continued to flout the law even after the crash.

West Mercia Police revealed that in the 13 months between the collision and his eventual arrest, Addison committed multiple driving offences - including driving without due care and attention, without insurance, and in a dangerous vehicle.

He was disqualified from driving in April 2023, but within weeks was caught behind the wheel again. He received an eight-week suspended sentence.

Chief Inspector Julian Smith said: "He paid no regard to the fact that he'd been involved in a fatal collision and Lily-May had lost her life."

Mrs Vaughan said: "It is utterly disrespectful that Mr Addison has shown no remorse. It is not right that Addison could get back behind the wheel the day after he took my daughter’s life."

Lily-May’s family and friends described her as vibrant and full of promise. Her aunt, Janine Newton, said: "I remember the fourth of February like it was yesterday. I could hear Leanne sobbing and screaming. It wasn’t a normal cry - it haunts me to this day."

Close friend Leticia Evans added: "She was the funniest, most entertaining person you’d ever meet. The thought that someone could do something to our best friend doesn’t feel real."

She also revealed she’d been terrified while in the car with Addison before. "He doesn’t care that he killed his girlfriend," Leticia said.

Now, Leanne is campaigning for changes in driving laws, including restrictions on new drivers and automatic license suspensions for those involved in fatal collisions.

"I want other parents to hear Lily’s story and feel empowered to have those hard conversations with their kids," she said. "If your friend’s only just passed their test, don’t get in the car. Just say no."

She is calling for newly qualified drivers to be barred from carrying passengers for six months and for provisional drivers to be more tightly restricted.

"I must also urge those in power to look at the need to temporarily suspend the licenses of those involved in fatal crashes," she added.

"Let’s empower young people with the facts. Learn from Lily. Do it for Lily."

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