Woman admits killing two people in Mercedes crash on A303

A woman who admitted to causing the deaths of two individuals in a crash on the A303 has been warned she will face jail time. Jessica Higgs was behind the wheel of a Mercedes Citan van when she was involved in a collided with a Fiat 500 around 2.40pm on May 15, 2023.

The driver of the Fiat, Tony Mist, lost his life at the scene of the crash, which occurred between the Podimore and Sparkford roundabouts. Thelma Huse, who sustained severe injuries in the crash, was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away later, as SomersetLive reports.

Higgs herself suffered injuries and received medical treatment at a hospital. Subsequent blood tests indicated that she had been driving with an excess level of benzoylecgonine, a specific controlled substance in her system, measuring 66 micrograms per litre of blood. Benzoylecgonine is a major metabolite of cocaine, meaning it is a substance found in the urine of people who use cocaine after it is processed by the liver.

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Now 20 years old and residing in Imber Road, in Warminster, Higgs 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 where she entered a guilty plea to both counts.

Prosecutor Rupert Russell said during the short hearing that sentencing would be deferred to prepare a pre-sentence report and to gather victim impact statements. Malcolm Galloway, representing Higgs, said: “She knows what the sentence will be. It is a matter of how long.”

Judge Richard Shepherd postponed the hearing until August 2 for sentencing and requested reports to be compiled. 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 granted unconditional bail until the sentencing date.