THE trial has opened into a man accused of causing the death of a teenage girl by careless driving.

Daniel Chappell, 37, who owns Chappell’s cocktail bar in North Hill, was driving a Ford Kuga in Hythe Hill shortly after 2am on August 29, 2021.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Monday how Chappell was travelling at over 40mph when he hit Alliyah Bell, who was a pedestrian walking on the side of the road towards Hythe Hill roundabout.

Her friend, Leah Green, was walking on the pavement next to her when the car struck Miss Bell, 17.

Trial – Daniel Chappell denies causing death by careless drivingTrial – Daniel Chappell denies causing death by careless driving (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Miss Bell suffered major injuries and was given chest compressions by a nearby cab passenger before paramedics took over minutes later.

She died at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, on September 9, 2021.

The prosecution said the crash caused Miss Bell to be flung into the road before she was unintentionally run over by Chappell.

Peter Clark, prosecuting, said: “The car was travelling at such speed that she was projected 25 metres forward, and the vehicle then drove over her in the road before eventually coming to a stop some 20 metres or so later.

“Alliyah Bell was immediately rendered unconscious – her best friend Leah was utterly distraught.”

Mr Clark told the jury Chappell “blames the victim for being on the road” and that poor street lighting meant he couldn’t see Miss Bell clearly.

He continued: “Careless driving is driving in a way that falls below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver.

“The prosecution’s case is that the defendant’s driving was indeed below that required standard in these respects in that there was excess speed and insufficient attention.”

The court heard a passenger in Chappell’s car shouted “look out” immediately before the collision.

Location – Hythe Hill, Colchester, where the collision took placeLocation – Hythe Hill, Colchester, where the collision took place (Image: Google Street View)

Mr Clark said: “We say, if his friend sitting inches from him saw the girl in the road, then why didn’t he?

“The lighting conditions were the same for them both.

“We say there was a degree of inattention on his part, caused perhaps by the defendant working until 2am that morning.”

Chappell, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester, denies causing death by careless driving.

The trial continues.

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