A Darwen man has admitted killing a teenager by dangerous driving after causing a horror crash on the M65.
Leon Callaghan, 18, appeared at Burnley Crown Court today (February 23) charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving.
Demi-Leigh Davies, 17, also from Darwen, suffered fatal injuries in the crash near Junction 9 of the eastbound carriageway on the M65 on October 2, 2024, and died in hospital.
Three other teenagers, two girls aged 17 and 19, and the driver, Callaghan, who was 17 at the time, also needed hospital treatment.
Callaghan, who appeared in the dock wearing a black hoodie and black joggers, pleaded guilty to the single count on the indictment.
Emma Kehoe, representing Callaghan, asked Judge Daniel Prowse to allow her client's bail to continue and asked him not to impose an interim driving disqualification.
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She said Callaghan was the only person in his family able to drive, and he was needed between now and sentencing to assist his family with getting around.
Ms Kehoe added that Callaghan had been driving "without issue" since the offence.
Judge Prowse accepted both the bail and the disqualification requests, and set a sentence date of Friday, June 26.
Addressing Callaghan, he said: "You must make sure you come back to court in good time.
"Failing to do so would be a separate offence, and you may be sentenced in your absence."
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Ms Davies was a passenger in Callaghan's Seat Ibiza vehicle, which crashed at around 3.30am on the date in question.
She suffered multiple serious injuries and was pronounced dead at hospital.
At the time, her family said in a tribute: “Our beautiful angel has been taken from us far too soon.
“Demi’s smile lit up any room she entered and left a lasting impression. Once you met Demi, you didn't forget Demi.
“A sweet soul who laughed and danced her way through life.
“Her happy, bubbly, caring nature shone through to anyone she met and lifted their spirits immediately.
“Words cannot truly express the pain we are all going through, knowing we will never see her beautiful face or hear her infectious laugh again.
“Although Demi has been taken from us, the memories we all have will live forever.
“A daughter, big sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece and cousin who will be loved and greatly missed."
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