Drink Driver Avoids Jail After Baby’s Tragic Death

A young woman has been spared from jail after a heartbreaking incident where a baby was thrown from her car during a crash.

Stevie Steel, 24, was found guilty of drink-driving when she collided with another vehicle, resulting in the death of her friend’s six-month-old baby, Harry Kiely.

The tragic event occurred shortly after she and a friend purchased three bottles of wine for a day at the beach.

The incident took place in Clacton, Essex, on July 13, 2022.

Steel’s Ford Focus rolled over after the collision, and baby Harry was thrown through an open window, suffering catastrophic head injuries.

Background of the Incident

Harry’s mother, Morgan, 22, had previously been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, after being convicted of manslaughter through gross negligence.

The court heard that during the short car journey, Harry was not properly secured in his car seat.

Steel was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for a year, after admitting to causing death by careless driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

Mr. Justice Robert Jay described the incident as an undeniably tragic case.

He noted that such accidents occur due to unfortunate circumstances.

Details of the Day

On the day of the incident, Steel and her friend spent about three hours at the beach before getting back into the car to drive to Morgan’s grandmother’s house.

Before the journey, Steel’s ex-partner, Mitchell Basset, offered to give them a lift but was turned down.

According to the court, he believed they were tipsy but not drunk.

Mr. Justice Jay commented that they should have accepted his offer, emphasizing the importance of making safe choices.

The journey was brief, but unfortunately, Harry’s car seat was not properly secured, and his harness was not attached.

The Collision

Just two minutes into the drive, Steel lost concentration for a moment, leading to the collision with a parked vehicle.

Although she was not speeding, the impact caused her car to roll onto its roof.

Baby Harry, who was seated alone in the back of the car, was propelled through the window during the crash.

Local residents heard the collision and rushed to help, including a retired pediatric nurse who provided care until emergency services arrived.

Emergency Response

Upon arrival, emergency services worked tirelessly to assist Harry, who had sustained severe injuries.

Despite their efforts, he was declared dead at the hospital later that day.

Witnesses reported that Morgan, described as a devoted mother, was in a state of panic, repeatedly asking if her baby was okay.

The devastation of the crash was profound, with prosecutor Alex Stein detailing how the friends were left hanging upside down, restrained by their seatbelts.

He explained that Harry, as a young infant, had no means of protecting himself during the accident.

Court Proceedings

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that tests showed Steel had 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, exceeding the legal limit of 35mg.

Despite this, Mr. Justice Jay chose to suspend her sentence, citing considerable personal mitigation.

Steel had previously maintained a good character, admitted her wrongdoing, and expressed genuine remorse for the incident.

Additionally, she is a mother to a young child from a previous relationship.

Sentencing Details

In July, during Morgan’s sentencing, it was disclosed that both women had planned to drop Harry off before heading to a nearby Wetherspoons pub.

The court heard how the crash left the friends trapped in the vehicle, with Harry tragically landing on the tarmac.

Mr. Justice Jay reiterated the sadness of the case, highlighting the devastating consequences of the accident.

Christopher Martin, who defended Steel, mentioned that she had engaged with charities to raise awareness about the dangers of drink-driving.

He emphasized her commitment to educating young people on the severe implications of such behavior.

Consequences of the Incident

In addition to her suspended sentence, Steel was disqualified from driving for five years.

She will also be required to pass an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again.

The court’s decision reflects a complex interplay of factors, including Steel’s background, her remorse, and the tragic nature of the incident.

Reflections on the Case

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of drink-driving and the importance of securing children properly in vehicles.

The loss of baby Harry has left a profound impact on both families involved.

As the community reflects on this tragedy, it underscores the need for responsible behavior, especially when it comes to driving under the influence.

Stevie Steel’s experience highlights the devastating effects that can arise from seemingly small choices, such as deciding not to accept a ride home.

Moving Forward

As Steel navigates the aftermath of this incident, she faces the challenge of reconciling her actions with the profound loss experienced by Harry’s family.

Her involvement with charities focused on drink-driving awareness may serve as a way to contribute positively to the community.

The hope is that through education and advocacy, similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.

The case of Stevie Steel and the tragic death of baby Harry Kiely will remain a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of safety on the road.

As discussions continue around the implications of this incident, it is clear that the impact will be felt for years to come.

Conclusion

The tragic events surrounding the crash involving Stevie Steel and baby Harry Kiely highlight the severe consequences of drink-driving and the need for responsible decision-making.

While Steel has avoided jail time, the emotional toll of the incident will resonate with both families indefinitely.

As the community seeks to heal, it is crucial to remember the lessons learned from this heartbreaking case.

Safety, responsibility, and the well-being of children must always be prioritized to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.