A mother in England has been handed a ten-year prison sentence after drinking alcohol before causing a fatal collision that claimed the lives of two teenagers. Natasha Allarakhia, 36, was found guilty of causing the deaths of William Ray, 17, and Eddie Shore, 18, in June 2024. The tragic incident occurred when Allarakhia collided with the rear of a Ford Fiesta that was stationary at temporary traffic lights near the A17 junction with Rauceby Lane.
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Reports from Lincolnshire Police revealed that William Ray and Eddie Shore succumbed to their injuries in the hospital following the crash. The victims’ car had come to a stop at the traffic lights due to ongoing road construction, with adequate warning signs posted in advance. Investigators confirmed that Allarakhia, despite not being over the drink-driving limit, was consuming alcohol from a can while operating the vehicle.
The court heard that Allarakhia initially attempted to blame a male named “Jay” for driving the Audi Q2 before admitting her responsibility to officers at the scene. The tragic crash not only resulted in the deaths of the two teenagers but also caused serious injuries to the two 18-year-old rear seat passengers in the victims’ car. Data retrieved from the Audi’s airbag control module indicated that the vehicle was exceeding 90 mph shortly before the collision.
Prosecutor David Eager informed the court that Allarakhia was driving at approximately 96 mph and was seen drinking from a can of alcohol during the journey. Despite passing a roadside breath test and displaying callous behaviour, including laughing at the scene, Allarakhia’s actions were deemed as the primary cause of the collision. Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston condemned Allarakhia’s behaviour as reckless, selfish, and dangerous, attributing the teenagers’ untimely deaths to her disregard for road safety.
Allarakhia has been sentenced to ten years in prison, along with a driving ban of 12 years and eight months, and will need to undergo an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again. In a heartfelt tribute, the victim William Ray’s mother, Sarah, expressed her profound loss, highlighting her son’s caring and compassionate nature. She lamented the missed opportunities of witnessing her son’s milestones and cherished memories.
The impact of the tragic incident extended to the victim’s father, Steven, who acknowledged the family’s struggle to adjust to life without their beloved son. Despite the profound grief inflicted by Allarakhia’s reckless actions, Sarah and Steven Ray aspire to honour their son’s memory and legacy. Lincolnshire Police refrained from further comments on the case when approached by PEOPLE for additional details and insights.
The implications of this reckless behaviour serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of irresponsible actions on the road. The community mourns the loss of these young lives and stands united in condemning reckless driving practices that endanger lives. As the legal system seeks to deliver justice for the victims and their families, the call for accountability and responsible driving resonates more strongly than ever.