Drink driving mum admits causing horror motorway crash which killed two of her children

A mum of four has admitted causing the horror crash which killed two of her children.

Mary McCann was under the influence of alcohol at the time her white Vauxhall Astra crashed with a Scania HGV.

Her ten-year-old son Smaller and daughter Lilly, aged four, both died in the incident which happened on the M1 at 11.10pm on 9 August, 2021 while travelling northbound from Milton Keynes towards Northampton.

Smaller and Lilly both died at the scene. McCann and a young child who survived the crash were taken to hospital after the incident and were treated for minor injuries. The lorry driver was not injured.

What happened during the court hearing?

McCann pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink.

The 35-year-old, of Bamford Avenue, Derby, appeared via a video link from prison, where she has been in custody since September.

She spoke only to confirm her name and address and enter a plea at Aylesbury Crown Court on Wednesday (February 16).

His Honour Judge Francis Sheridan adjourned the case until sentencing on April 25.

What have the police said?

Following the hearing, investigating police officer, Sergeant Dominic Mahon, of Thames Valley Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident in which two young children lost their lives.

“My thoughts remain with their family at this incredibly difficult time. Thankfully they will not have to go through the ordeal of a trial due to McCann’s guilty pleas,” he added.

Heartbroken family members said the siblings had “gone to heaven together” in the days after the horror smash, which happened between junction 14 and junction 15, reportedly while they were returning from a party in London.

One wrote: "RIP you two beautiful little angels. Never seen sadder in my life.

"Such a cruel world we all live in. Keep their mummy and daddy in your prayers, couldn’t imagine their pain. Two little lives taken way too soon. A little brother and sister gone to heaven together."

Another posted: "Can't believe I'm even writing this but rest in peace to my two beautiful little cousins Smaller and Lilly. Hearts in bits. RIP my babies."

A version of this story was originally published on our sister title, the Derbyshire Times.

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