The silence of an early summer morning in Lincolnshire was shattered last year by a devastating high-speed collision that claimed the lives of two grammar school pupils and left another with life-changing injuries. The incident, which occurred on the A17 at North Rauceby, brought into sharp focus the severe consequences of dangerous driving. A mother of two, driving an Audi Q2, crashed into a stationary vehicle, altering the lives of multiple families forever.
This article details the events surrounding the tragic crash on June 20 last year, outlining the actions of the driver, the profound impact on the victims and their families, and the initial formal charges that were brought against her. We delve into the specifics of the collision, the driver’s immediate responses, and the immediate aftermath as emergency services arrived at the scene. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a clear understanding of the immediate circumstances of this profoundly sorrowful event.
The unfolding narrative serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities inherent in operating a vehicle and the catastrophic outcomes that can arise from negligence. It underscores the critical importance of attentiveness and adherence to traffic laws to prevent such heartbreaking occurrences, highlighting the devastating consequences when those responsibilities are disregarded.
1. **The High-Speed Collision**
On June 20 last year, a high-speed collision occurred on the A17 at North Rauceby, Lincolnshire, involving an Audi Q2 and a Ford Fiesta. The Ford Fiesta was stationary at a set of temporary traffic lights when the Audi, traveling at 96mph, collided with its rear. The impact was severe, resulting in catastrophic damage and immediate casualties.
The court heard that the driver of the Audi failed to notice the stationary car until seconds before the collision. Data from the vehicles indicated that the driver did not take her foot off the accelerator until two seconds before impact and only briefly applied her brakes when 121ft (37m) from the Fiesta. The speed of the Audi at the time of the collision was reported as 70mph (112 km/h).
William Ray, aged 17, had driven three of his friends to watch an England football match on television and was waiting patiently at the temporary traffic lights when the impact occurred. The circumstances of the crash highlight a severe lapse in attention and judgment by the approaching driver, leading directly to the tragic outcome.
2. **The Victims: William Ray and Eddie Shore**
The collision resulted in the deaths of two grammar school pupils, William Ray, 17, and Eddie Shore, 18. Both teenagers were passengers in the Ford Fiesta that was struck. They were Year 13 pupils at King’s School, a grammar school for boys near Grantham.
William Ray, known as Will, was the driver of the Ford Fiesta. He had been transporting three of his friends for an evening outing. Eddie Shore was his 18-year-old passenger at the time of the fatal crash. Both sustained severe head injuries in the collision.
Their deaths had a profound impact on their school community. The King’s School later opened a book of condolence and offered extensive support, including counselling, to students and staff grappling with the tragedy. The loss of two promising young individuals was described as a profound shock to the entire school community.
Car Model Information: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE
Name: Ford Fiesta
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: June 1976 – July 2023
Class: Supermini
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Successor: Ford Puma (crossover)
ModelYears: 1978–1980, 2011–2019 (North America)
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Brand: Ford Model: Fiesta
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3. **The Seriously Injured Survivor: Jack Prince**
Alongside William Ray and Eddie Shore, a second passenger in the Ford Fiesta, Jack Prince, then 17, suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the collision. His injuries were severe, necessitating ongoing medical attention and recovery. The nature of his injuries indicates a significant and lasting impact on his physical well-being.
Mr. Prince was an occupant in the vehicle driven by William Ray when it was struck from behind. His experience in the crash left him not only with physical trauma but also, as he later stated, “unspeakable” mental harm. This underscores the widespread and long-term consequences of such incidents, extending beyond the immediate fatalities.
The legal proceedings recognized the severity of his injuries, leading to a specific charge related to the harm he sustained. His survival, coupled with the life-altering nature of his injuries, serves as a poignant reminder of the crash’s devastating reach into the lives of all involved.
Car Model Information: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE
Name: Ford Fiesta
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: June 1976 – July 2023
Class: Supermini
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Successor: Ford Puma (crossover)
ModelYears: 1978–1980, 2011–2019 (North America)
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Get more information about: Ford Fiesta
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ford Model: Fiesta
Price: $5,999 Mileage: 100,069 mi.
4. **The Driver’s Reckless Actions: Speed and Alcohol**
The driver responsible for the collision was Natasha Allarakhia, 36. She was operating her Audi Q2 at a recorded speed of 96mph prior to the crash. Evidence presented in court indicated that her driving behavior extended beyond excessive speed.
During part of her journey, Allarakhia was observed drinking from a can of alcohol. Prosecutor David Eager informed Lincoln Crown Court, “Not only was she driving at 96mph, but she was not paying attention all the time. During part of the journey, she was drinking from a can of alcohol, literally drinking and driving.” This detail highlighted a critical factor contributing to her lack of attention.
Allarakhia was driving with her female partner and her two young daughters, aged seven and 12, in the vehicle at the time of the collision. The presence of her own children in the car further emphasized the dangerous nature of her actions and the disregard for safety she exhibited.
5. **Allarakhia’s Deception and Roadside Test**
Following the crash, Natasha Allarakhia engaged in deceptive behavior, attempting to conceal her role as the driver. When police arrived at the scene, she initially claimed that a friend of her partner was driving and had run off into a field, abandoning the vehicle. She maintained this false narrative for more than an hour as emergency services were working.
Upon being asked to take a roadside breath test, Allarakhia responded, “I’ve had a drink. I’m not p—ed. I’m not the driver.” Despite her assertion, the court heard that she provided a breath test result indicating she was within the legal limit for alcohol. This detail, however, did not negate the fact that she had been drinking while driving.
Prosecutor Mr. Eager further noted her demeanor during this interaction, stating, “At that point she laughs, again in the presence of her children.” This reaction, in the immediate aftermath of a fatal collision and in front of her own daughters, was highlighted during the court proceedings.
6. **The Fatal Injuries and Their Aftermath**
William Ray and Eddie Shore, along with the other two occupants of the Ford Fiesta, were transported to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham following the high-speed collision. Medical teams worked to address their injuries, which were later determined to be severe head trauma. Despite medical intervention, the injuries proved fatal for both teenagers.
William Ray was declared dead on June 21, the day after the collision. Eddie Shore succumbed to his injuries the following day, on June 22. Their deaths underscored the extreme force of the impact and the critical nature of the head injuries they sustained in the crash.
The medical outcomes for William and Eddie devastated their families. The news of their passing sent shockwaves through their community and school, marking a tragic conclusion to the harrowing events of the collision. These declarations of death formalized the profound loss suffered by those close to the young men.
Car Model Information: 2014 Ford Fiesta SE
Name: Ford Fiesta
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Production: June 1976 – July 2023
Class: Supermini
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Successor: Ford Puma (crossover)
ModelYears: 1978–1980, 2011–2019 (North America)
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Get more information about: Ford Fiesta
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: Ford Model: Fiesta
Price: $5,999 Mileage: 100,069 mi.
7. **The Charges and Guilty Pleas**
At an earlier hearing, Natasha Allarakhia formally entered guilty pleas to the charges brought against her in connection with the fatal collision. Her admissions acknowledged her culpability in the incident that led to the deaths and serious injury of the victims.
Allarakhia pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of William Ray, on June 21, and Eddie Shore, on June 22, by dangerous driving. These charges directly linked her driving conduct to the tragic fatalities. The dangerous driving charge encompassed her actions of speeding and drinking while driving, along with her inattention on the road.
In addition to the two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, Allarakhia also admitted a third charge: causing serious injury to Jack Prince on June 20. This plea acknowledged the severe and life-altering harm inflicted upon the third passenger in the Ford Fiesta. These guilty pleas marked a significant stage in the legal process following the collision.
Following the grave details of the collision itself and the immediate aftermath, including Natasha Allarakhia’s deceptive actions and her eventual guilty pleas, the focus of this report shifts to the ensuing legal proceedings and the profound impact felt by the victims’ families, the wider community, and the schools grieving such an immense loss. The courtroom became a platform for raw emotion and stark truths, bringing a degree of closure through accountability, yet highlighting the irreparable void left by the tragic incident. Here, we chronicle the journey through the justice system and the enduring ripple effects of that fateful morning.
8. **Victim Impact Statements**
During the legal proceedings, the court heard powerful victim impact statements from the families and friends of William Ray, Eddie Shore, and Jack Prince. Eddie Shore’s mother, Kerri Foster, addressed Natasha Allarakhia directly from the witness box, telling her that her “selfish actions” had “robbed her of her son.” Mrs. Foster revealed that Eddie had been about to take up a dream job as a ski lift operator in Canada, and the family received his successful A-level results eight weeks after his death, which would have secured him a place at university in Leeds. “Now we will never know what the future had for Eddie,” she stated.
Eddie’s father, James Shore, described the agonizing two days he spent holding his son’s hand in the hospital before Eddie succumbed to his injuries. He conveyed the profound personal toll of the tragedy, stating, “It has broken me and I will never be the same person again.” William Ray’s mother, Sarah Barker, also shared her profound grief, expressing that “Our lives after 9.41 pm on that evening will never be the same again. My Will, my only boy, the love of my life.” His father, Steven, characterized his son as the “best of us” and noted that he had never heard a bad word said about him.
Jack Prince, the third passenger in the Ford Fiesta who suffered life-changing injuries, provided his own statement, telling Allarakhia he had been left with severe physical harm and described the mental harm as “unspeakable.” Luke Wood, another passenger in William’s car, also spoke, detailing how the deaths of his friends had left him with a lifetime of “grief and trauma.” These statements collectively painted a vivid picture of the widespread and enduring devastation caused by Allarakhia’s actions.
9. **The Sentencing**
After hearing the evidence and the victim impact statements, Judge James House KC sentenced Natasha Allarakhia for her role in the fatal collision. Allarakhia was jailed for a period of 10 years, a sentence handed down in Lincoln Crown Court. This significant prison term reflected the court’s view of the gravity of her dangerous driving and the tragic outcomes.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed further penalties designed to restrict Allarakhia’s ability to drive in the future. She was made the subject of a 12-and-a-half-year driving ban. This lengthy prohibition underscores the severity of her driving offences and the judicial commitment to public safety.
Furthermore, the sentencing mandated that Allarakhia must take an extended retest before she can ever drive again once her ban concludes. This requirement ensures that any future return to driving would necessitate a demonstrated re-competence and adherence to road safety standards, following her clear disregard for them.
10. **Allarakhia’s Prior Driving Record**
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Natasha Allarakhia had a history of prior driving infractions, indicating a pattern of disregard for traffic laws. The court heard she had “five previous convictions for 12 offences,” which included a history of “bad driving incidents.” This record suggested a recurring issue with her conduct on the road, even before the fatal collision.
Notably, the extent of her driving offenses was highlighted by Judge James House KC. He specifically observed during the sentencing that Allarakhia was “a woman who has had a number of warnings to slow down.” This judicial remark underscored that the fatal crash was not an isolated incident but part of a broader history of dangerous driving behavior that she had previously been cautioned about.
Further complicating her legal standing, it came to light that Allarakhia was caught speeding again while she was out on bail following the fatal crash. This subsequent speeding offense, committed while awaiting trial for causing two deaths and serious injury, demonstrated a continued failure to adhere to driving regulations and a concerning lack of remorse or change in behavior.
11. **Judicial Remarks by Judge James House KC**
In delivering his sentence, Judge James House KC provided pointed remarks regarding Natasha Allarakhia’s culpability and the nature of her dangerous driving. He explicitly stated, “This defendant was not just driving significantly in excess of the limit but was not paying attention for a significant period of time.” This statement underscored the dual failures that led to the tragic outcome: excessive speed combined with a dangerous lack of attentiveness.
Judge House also took into account Allarakhia’s prior driving record when determining the sentence. Her history of driving offenses was noted as an aggravating factor in the case. This means that her past conduct on the road contributed to the severity of the punishment she received, indicating a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated error.
The judge’s comments served to articulate the court’s assessment of Allarakhia’s actions, emphasizing the severe negligence she exhibited. His remarks highlighted that the crash was a direct consequence of prolonged inattention and excessive speed, rather than a momentary lapse, compounding the tragedy with a history of warnings.
12. **Police Condemnation**
Following the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Lincolnshire Police issued a statement condemning Natasha Allarakhia’s actions and highlighting the profound impact they had. Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston, speaking on behalf of the police force, offered a strong rebuke of the driver’s behavior. Her statement reflected the law enforcement perspective on the preventable nature of the tragedy.
Detective Sergeant Johnston stated, “Because of her utter disregard for the safety of others, two teenagers, with their lives ahead of them, were cruelly taken from this world.” This powerful condemnation encapsulated the police’s view that Allarakhia’s negligence was not merely a mistake but a conscious and dangerous indifference to the well-being of others on the road. The statement emphasized the tragic loss of a future for the young victims.
The police’s remarks served as a clear message about the consequences of dangerous driving and reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to hold accountable those who endanger public safety. Their condemnation echoed the sentiment of the victim’s families, emphasizing the devastating and avoidable nature of the deaths of William Ray and Eddie Shore.
13. **The School’s Response: King’s School**
The deaths of William Ray and Eddie Shore, both Year 13 pupils, sent shockwaves through their school community at King’s School, a grammar school for boys near Grantham. Head master Simon Pickett communicated the institution’s immediate reaction in a letter to parents and carers, stating, “It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you of the tragic loss of two of our Year 13 students.” He emphasized that “This news has come as a profound shock to our school community, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the families and friends of the students at this incredibly difficult time.”
In response to the tragedy, King’s School quickly implemented support measures for its students and staff. A book of condolence was opened, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, memories, or messages of sympathy. The “Old School building” was designated to be open all day on the Monday following the tragedy, providing “a quiet and supportive space for reflection” for the students grappling with the loss. Specific encouragement was given for Years 12 and 13 students, who were recognized as potentially feeling the loss most acutely.
The school also ensured that extensive pastoral and counselling support was available. Members of the school’s pastoral and counselling teams were made available in the week following the incident to offer “comfort and guidance.” Additionally, the Lincolnshire Centre for Grief and Loss provided assistance at the school, underscoring the comprehensive approach taken by King’s School to support its community through this period of profound grief.
14. **Broader Community Response and Lasting Impact**
The tragic deaths of William Ray and Eddie Shore resonated beyond the immediate families and King’s School, deeply affecting the broader community. Tributes were also paid by Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford, where Headteacher Nick Law acknowledged that the teenagers’ deaths had “really rocked the whole community.” This indicated the wide-reaching impact of the collision on local schools and residents, underscoring a collective sense of sorrow and loss.
For the grieving families, the legal outcome brought a form of justice, but the emotional toll continued. Eddie’s mother, Kerri Foster, poignantly articulated this enduring pain, stating that she was “serving a life sentence of grief.” This sentiment highlights that while court proceedings may conclude, the emotional and psychological consequences for those left behind are profound and long-lasting, a constant reminder of the lives that were tragically cut short and futures that will never be realized.
The legal process may have concluded, delivering a measure of justice and accountability for the devastating actions of Natasha Allarakhia. Yet, the shadows of that June morning persist, etched deeply into the lives of the families of William Ray and Eddie Shore, and the young man, Jack Prince, who survived with life-altering injuries. This tragic account stands as a piercing testament to the fragility of life and the immense, irreversible consequences that arise from profound negligence on our roads. It compels us to remember the vital responsibility each driver holds, a responsibility that, when disregarded, can shatter futures and leave an enduring legacy of grief.
