Declan stubbs receives nine-year sentence for “breathtakingly dangerous” driving

Declan Stubbs, a 22-year-old driver, was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for causing the death of 20-year-old Teegan Waters through dangerous driving. The tragic incident occurred on a pitch-black dual carriageway near Blyth, Northumberland, on August 20, 2022. Stubbs, who admitted guilt, was driving at an astonishing speed of 146mph in a Ford Fiesta ST before losing control, crashing into a central barrier and a tree, and rolling several times into a field.

The court heard that Stubbs, described as “baby-faced” and “arrogant,” had told friends to “chill” and “not to worry” just moments before the fatal crash. Teegan Waters, who had been in a blossoming romance with Stubbs, lost her life in the accident. Two other friends who were also in the car suffered severe injuries.

Jolyon Perks, the prosecutor, revealed that GPS data from the car indicated Stubbs was driving at 146mph as he entered a right-hand bend before losing control. Witnesses in the car stated that Stubbs had reached speeds of up to 157mph, and despite requests to slow down, he dismissed concerns.

Teegan’s friends, David Goward, 18, and Mark Chrisp, 19, had been with her at a nightclub in Blyth that evening. Teegan called Stubbs for a lift, and all three got into the car. The impact of the crash was devastating, leaving Teegan with unsurvivable injuries.

In court, victim impact statements were read, including one from Teegan’s mother, Lindsay Waters.ty76rxd She expressed profound grief and revealed that she had attempted to take her own life after losing her daughter. Teegan, described as an aspiring dance teacher, was remembered as “the most beautiful, kind, and thoughtful girl who always put others first.”

Stubbs, who had cannabis and cocaine in his system (below the driving limit), was negative for alcohol. He was banned from driving for five years after his release. Despite the tragic outcome, Judge Julie Clemitson acknowledged that Stubbs did not set out to kill anyone but emphasized the “tragic and utterly needless” nature of the crash. Judge Clemitson also noted that Stubbs would likely be haunted by regret for the rest of his life.