Woman admits causing deaths of two people in A303 crash

A woman has been warned she will face prison after she admitted causing the deaths of two people in a crash on the A303. Jessica Higgs drove a Mercedes Citan van on the A303 at Camel Hill when she collided with a Fiat 500 at around 2.40pm on May 15, 2023.

Tony Mist, who was driving the Fiat 500, died at the scene between Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts. Thelma Huse was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.

Higgs suffered some injuries and was taken to hospital for further treatment. A blood test revealed she drove while over the limit for a specific controlled drug, namely benzoylecgonine, with 66 micrograms per litre of blood.

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Higgs, now aged 20 and of Imber Road in Warminster, was arrested and charged with two counts of causing death by driving without due care and attention while over the limit for a specific controlled drug. She appeared at Taunton Crown Court and pleaded guilty to both charges.

During the brief hearing, prosecutor Rupert Russell said the sentencing will be adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report and gather victim impact statements. Malcolm Galloway, defending Higgs, said: “She knows what the sentence will be. It is a matter of how long.”

Judge Richard Shepherd adjourned the hearing until August 2 for sentencing and ordered reports to be prepared. He said: “You have pleaded guilty to very serious offences and the court is only able to deal with your case in one way and that’s prison.

“But I want to know a lot more about you. I want to know about your background, I want to know about the impact of any sentence of imprisonment upon you and therefore I am going to order pre-sentence reports.”

Higgs was released on unconditional bail until sentencing.