Man jailed for 10 years for causing death of 15-year-old in Chelmsford by dangerous driving
Freddie Coleman was walking to school in Stock in November 2023, when Stephen Mahebadevan lost control of his car and mounted the footpath
A man who killed one teenage boy and seriously injured another when he lost control of his car while speeding in Chelmsford, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Stephen Mahebadevan had been doing more than double the 30mph speed limit, just before the crash.
The 26-year-old lost control of his car in Stock in November 2023, mounting the footpath and colliding with Freddie Coleman, and a another boy who suffered life-changing injuries.
Freddie was knocked into the path of an oncoming van, and the driver had no time to react and avoid him.
Emergency services responded and worked hard to save Freddie, but very sadly he died at the scene.
In a previous statement, Freddie's parents said: “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."
Mahebadevan - from Orford Crescent - admitted causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, last month.
At the time, Police praised 'the patience, dignity and restraint shown by the families in their long wait for justice and answers.'
What happened in court today?
Families of both teenagers turned out in force today in Chelmsford Crown Court.
Prosecution told the courtroom that Mahebadevan's estimated speed was around 67mph.
They also said that the other teenager had "traumatic" injuries, following the collision.
Their crash scene investigation found that the loss of control of the vehicle on a left hand bend was the most likely cause of the incident.
Freddie Coleman's mother read out her own impact statement, saying it was the "worst day" of her life.
She read out Freddie's life story in tears at the witness stand, looking at Mahebadevan when reading the date of her son's death.
"Our whole life changed" ... "the unthinkable happened."
"I have to go back to the darkest day of my life."
She recalled hearing sirens all over the village, and spotting an air ambulance.
She was told of her son's death immediately upon arriving at the scene, and she screamed.
Freddie's father did not look away from Mahebadevan throughout the entire impact statement.
Freddie's mum said that a large number of the community were present to help her, and to remember her son.
The younger and older sisters also took the witness stand in tears, saying their brother had the "sweetest heart."
"The day Freddie died, it was like the world had stopped spinning."
"I miss my brother more than words could explain."
His older sister said that she was angry about delays through the court system.
The injured teenager's impact statement was read out in court, directed at the defendant.
"What you have put us through is horrific.
"Because of your actions, I lost one of my closest friends in an instant."
Their mother addressed the defendant, saying she hopes Mahebadevan has enough time in court to reflect on his actions.
The Judge said that Mahebadevan's sentence would be of a higher culpability due to the nature of the road he was speeding on.
She said that his speeding was inexcusable, and it was the defendant's choice to exceed the limit.
The defence told the courtroom that the defendant has not driven since the day in November of 2023, and that Mahebadevan had a "genuine desperation" to learn why he caused the collision, and can recall "very little" from the day.
In response, the judge sarcastically commented that Mahebadevan's foot "accidentally" went on the accelerator, and remarked that he had lied on an insurance claim he made three days after the incident.
Mahebadevan's statement acknowledged he could not minimise the harm he has caused, and said he would take responsibility for his actions. He does not expect forgiveness, with him saying he "doesn't ask for mercy."
In her sentencing remarks, the judge said:
"What a hole he has left for all that knew and loved him.
"What they have been through, and still go through, is unimaginable for any parent.
"Their lives obviously will never be the same again.
"You were driving at well over twice the speed limit at 30 miles per hour.
"There was every reason for this to be a 30mph area."
She said that the sentence length does not reflect the impact this has had on the family.
"I can only conclude you were speeding, because you chose to, and you wanted to.
"This was no lapse or external problem. This was how you chose to drive your car.
"For some time, in effect, you were blaming the bus driver.
"Three days after Freddie died, you made an insurance claim, asserting a bus swerved into your path."
He will serve two thirds of his 10 year sentence.
The family exclaimed the sentence was "a joke".