Man in court charged with dangerous driving after girl, 15, killed as car fleeing police smashed into shop
Michael Fludgate, 20, was charged after being released from hospital where he had been receiving treatment since the crash
A MAN charged with causing the death of a 15-year-old girl after the car he was driving smashed into a building during a police chase has appeared in court.
Michael Fludgate, 20, was arrested after being released from Luton and Dunstable Hospital where he had been treated since the crash that claimed the life of teenager Wanessa Lewandowska.
The man had been driving the black and grey Volkswagen Golf along High Town Road just before 10.30pm on Tuesday 9 August when it crashed into an electronics shop.
His 15-year-old passenger, Wanessa Lewandowska, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man, of no fixed address, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while unlicensed/uninsured and failing to stop for police.
He appeared before Hatfield Magistrates' Court on Saturday and has been remanded into custody.
The devastated family of Wanessa, nicked-named Nessa Marie, paid tribute to the young teenager.
Her mother Violetta took to social media, writing: "My beautiful daughter Wanessy who is no longer among us, my heart breaks with pain.
"I will always love you my princess."
RELATED STORIES
Friends also took to social media, describing the teenager as a "young beautiful girl".
One said: “Rest in perfect peace gorgeous.
“Such a young beautiful life got taken away too quick!”
Another friend said: “So sad, such a young beautiful girl! Rest in piece Nessa Marie my heart and prayers go out to your family.”
Another said: "Still can't believe your (sic) gone, feels like just the other day we was together... your forever gunna be in my heart missing you like crazy!!"
At the time of the crash, witnesses said they heard a "big bang" before seeing the car smashed to bits.
One eyewitness told BBC: "In a split second there was a big bang and the car had gone straight into the building there.
“There were people on the street as it happened, just walking to and from home, going out, it was manic.”
Bedfordshire Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the friends and family of this young girl who has died in such tragic circumstances.
“We have specialist officers supporting the families of the girl and the injured parties during this difficult time.
“We are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision and I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or the vehicle prior to the collision, to call police.”
A separate Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into the actions of police prior to the collision continues.
The funeral service for the 15-year-old girl will be held next week on August 26.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368