Jail for dangerous driver who caused death of Dover mum in family car

A speeding driver from Dover who caused the death of a mum on her way home from the beach with her family has been jailed.

Andrew Harris, formerly of Waldershare Road, Ashley, admitted responsibility for the woman’s death and for her son’s serious injuries.

Fatal collision

Kent Police was called to the fatal collision on the A256, Whitfield Bypass, shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday 13 August 2023.

A Ford Ranger pick-up truck, driven by the victim’s husband and also carrying their three children, had been travelling south towards Dover. The vehicle was turning right at Whitfield onto Sandwich Road when it was struck by Harris’ black BMW 1 Series.

Officers attended along with paramedics and Kent Fire and Rescue Service, after witnesses alerted the emergency services.

Investigation

The 43 year old victim, who had been a rear passenger in the car, was thrown from the vehicle and declared deceased at the scene shortly afterwards. Her son, then aged 11, was also ejected and suffered multiple injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Harris, who had been driving towards Thanet, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital. He was later discharged and interviewed under caution.

Excessive speed

The investigation found, through forensic data analysis, that the 34 year old had been speeding excessively and, at the point of impact, was travelling at more than 111mph. Drink and drugs were not found to be a factor in the collision.

Harris was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to both offences before Canterbury Crown Court.

Jailed

On Friday 2 October 2026, Harris was sentenced at the same court to 7 years’ imprisonment and banned from driving for 8 and a half years.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable David Clarkson, said: ‘The investigation team in this complex case showed great persistence, carefully examining forensic and digital evidence to establish the circumstances of the collision and ultimately prove the dangerous speeds at which Harris had been driving. ‘Nothing can undo the devastating consequences or the loss suffered by the family, whose lives have been forever changed as a result of Harris’ reckless actions that day, but I hope the conclusion of this case provides some measure of justice and demonstrates our determination to hold dangerous drivers to account.’