Drugged-up lorry driver killed ‘devoted’ gran as he performed sex acts behind the wheel

A lorry driver high on cocaine who engaged in sexual acts behind the wheel has been imprisoned for causing the death of a beloved grandmother. Daniel Barry Coburn, 49, was at the helm of a white Ford Transit drop side lorry when it swerved onto the wrong side of the road on 5 August 2023.

The vehicle collided with a red Kia Picanto driven by Bethan Fraser-Andrews, 81, who tragically lost her life at the scene on the A120 near Standon Hill, Herts. Coburn from Chelmsford, Essex, was discovered to have been using his mobile phone for sexual acts and conversations whilst driving. He was also found to be over the legal limit for alcohol, cocaine and MDMA.

Initially, Coburn pleaded not guilty but during a subsequent case management hearing, he altered his plea to guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

On 29 September, he was handed a prison sentence of nine years and seven months' imprisonment at St Albans Crown Court.

In addition, Coburn received a driving ban of 13 years and four months, with a compulsory extended re-test.

Judge Sheridan described this as one of the "worst cases of dangerous driving he had seen" in court.

He stated: "I sit here today looking at three heartbroken children who should never have to have suffered the loss of their mother.

"You should never have been behind the wheel of any vehicle, let alone a commercial vehicle while intoxicated through alcohol and drugs."

Detective Constable Dale Morris, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, stated: "Coburn's selfish and dangerous actions have torn a mother and grandmother away from her family.

"On the day of the collision Bethan was on her way to meet her family for a belated celebration.

"Coburn's driving was highly dangerous, and it was evident he had no thought or consideration for anyone around him."

Elisabeth, Bethan's daughter, shared: "We are still coming to terms with the fact that she is gone.

"She was very active, and she had many varied interests, she played tennis the day before she died, she walked, went bird spotting, enjoyed painting and sang in local choirs.

"Her calendar when she died was full of things she was looking forward to including a tennis tournament and looking after our dogs."

James, Bethan's son, expressed: "Mum was devoted to her family, and we were devoted to her.

"She was killed on her way to do what she did best.

"To be a loving mother and grandmother, to spend time with those she loved and who now will never enjoy her uniquely funny insights, her laughter and her energetic zest for life that was undimmed even at 81 years of age."