Essex driver admits causing crash that killed 15-year-old schoolboy
Freddie Coleman was killed after he was hit by Stephen Mahebadevan's car whilst walking to school in November 2023
A dangerous driver who killed one 15-year-old schoolboy and seriously injured another when he lost control of his car while speeding has admitted his guilt.
Stephen Mahebadevan, 26, lost control of his Suzuki Swift in Stock Road, Stock, at approximately 8.20am on 3rd November 2023.
Freddie Coleman and a second teenage boy, who were walking to school along a footpath beside the road, were struck after Mahebadevan's car mounted the path.
CCTV evidence revealed Mahebadevan was driving at more than double the 30mph speed limit before attempting a left-hand bend in the road.
He lost control and collided with the boys.
Freddie was thrown into the path of an oncoming van whose driver was unable to react in time to avoid him.
Emergency crews worked to save Freddie, but he tragically died at the scene.
The second boy sustained life-changing injuries from the crash.
A detailed investigation examined the vehicles, collected witness statements, and analysed CCTV and dash cam footage to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Following evidence analysis, Mahebadevan, of Orford Crescent, Chelmsford, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He admitted these charges during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, 5th January.
He'll be sentenced at the same court on 6th February.
Freddie’s family previously described him in a statement as “kind, happy, and funny.”
“Our beautiful boy Freddie, a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, and uncle, sadly died on 3 November at 8.30am.
“He was loved by everybody who knew him. Our kind, happy, funny boy.”
Detective Sergeant Sam Nason, who led the investigation, praised the families for their patience and dignity during what he described as a “lengthy process of years rather than months.”
Detective Sergeant Nason said:
“The thoughts of my whole team remain firmly with the family and friends of the two victims in this case.
“It’s been critical to ensure we have clear forensic evidence so that justice could be delivered without a traumatic trial. Mahebadevan will now likely face prison for his reckless actions that morning in November 2023.
“No sentence can bring Freddie back, but we hope it can offer some sense of closure and justice for his family.”