Man in Court Over Lichfield Crash That Killed Two ‘Beautiful’ Teenagers
A man has appeared in court in connection with a tragic road crash that claimed the lives of two teenage girls, described by their families as “beautiful” and “full of life”. The incident occurred on Lichfield Road, in Whittington, Staffordshire, and has left a community devastated.
Martha Swift and Sylvie Bates, both 16, died following a collision involving a white Vauxhall Vivaro van in the early hours of 18 May. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 12:30am, where they found the two girls with critical injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics and doctors, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
On Monday, 32-year-old Ryan Mitchell, from Lichfield, appeared before magistrates in Cannock charged in connection with the fatal crash. He faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of failing to stop at the scene of a collision.
Wearing a grey sweatshirt and appearing solemn, Mitchell spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. The charges were not formally put to him, and the case was sent to Stafford Crown Court, where he is due to appear next month.
The prosecution alleged that Mitchell was driving the van that collided with the girls while they were walking along Lichfield Road. It is also claimed that he failed to remain at the scene after the collision. No pleas have yet been entered.
The deaths of Martha and Sylvie have sparked an outpouring of grief in Whittington and beyond. Friends, family, and classmates have left flowers, candles, and handwritten notes at the site of the crash, creating a makeshift memorial in tribute to the girls.
In a joint statement released shortly after the crash, the families described their daughters as “beautiful souls taken too soon.”
“Martha was a kind, creative, and bright girl who loved music and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer,” her family said. “We are heartbroken beyond words. She brought joy to everyone who knew her.”
Sylvie’s family remembered her as “bubbly, funny, and fiercely loyal.”
“She had her whole life ahead of her,” they added. “We cannot imagine a world without her laugh, her energy, and her huge heart.”
Both girls were Year 11 students at a local secondary school, where grief counsellors have been made available to support pupils. A candlelit vigil held at the school grounds last week was attended by hundreds of mourners, including teachers, friends, and local residents.
Headteacher Alison Graham described the loss as “utterly devastating,” and said the school community was united in mourning. “Martha and Sylvie were adored by their peers and staff alike,” she said. “Their potential was limitless, and they will be missed every single day.”
Staffordshire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision. They are particularly keen to hear from drivers who may have seen a white Vauxhall Vivaro van in the area on the night of the crash.
Mitchell was granted conditional bail and ordered not to drive pending his next court appearance.
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