Tributes have been paid to a teenage girl who was killed by a speeding driver.
Courtney Ellis was just 14 when she was struck and killed by Brandon Turton on September 19 2020- the 21-year-old was racing his Renault Megane at speeds of up to 93mph in a 30 zone. Turton had been racing around the streets of St Helens, before the fatal collision, which killed the schoolgirl instantly.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on Wednesday September 14, that Turton was sentenced to six years nine months in prison, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
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ECHO readers have paid tributes to "amazing Courtney following the news. Sarah Burke said: "Our beautiful intelligent Courtney, she is missed and loved so much R.I.P princess."
Sarah Kynaston said: "I send my love & strength to you. My heart is aching for you all."
While another added: "Dreadful story no winners. That poor child and her poor family left with a life sentence. RIP."
Another comment reads: So sad. I don't know the pain you are experiencing but may your daughter rest in peace. Such a shame."
Previously, the teenager's devastated dad Colin paid tribute to his "princess" and described her as a "beautiful little girl" who could make anyone laugh." He said: "Courtney Ellis, my beautiful princess. You gained your angel wings way too soon and I still can’t believe daddy’s princess is no longer with us.
"You were a beautiful little girl who always had a smile on her face and would do anything for anyone. You had a heart of gold and cared so much about your family and friends and would put everyone else first."
Stricter penalties for those who kill someone with their vehicle came into place earlier this year under the Police Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022. "Violet's Law" - named after Violet-Grace Youens, four, who was killed in St Helens by a speeding driver in 2017 - allows judges to sentence for death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving to a maximum of life in prison.
These guidelines were brought in after Courtney's death however, meaning they did not apply. Courtney's mum Angela shared a message on the ECHO Facebook page.
She said: "It certainly should be for life, once you've committed such a crime, bad enough we have these stupid guidelines that have to be followed when sentencing, and bad luck the law changed after he took my daughters life.
"I'm devastated every day since losing my Courtney and even of he got 50 years I'd still be feeling this pain, Yes I'd be able to rest somewhat knowing his life would of been taken from him but it still wouldn't ease my pain. I miss her and love her so much, thanks for the support"
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