A young woman from Bromley, Adele Okojie-Aidonojie, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after causing a fatal crash in Battersea that claimed the lives of a couple who were standing up “twerking” in the back of her convertible.

The tragedy unfolded when 23-year-old Okojie-Aidonojie, under the influence of alcohol and driving at excessive speed, lost control of her Mini Cooper, causing it to overturn in Battersea, south London. The passengers, Rida Boutjettif, 24, and Mary Macharia, 23, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Okojie-Aidonojie’s boyfriend, Ben Sidibe, sustained serious injuries, including a fractured arm and a brain bleed.

Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Okojie-Aidonojie was found guilty of two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one charge of causing injury by dangerous driving. Judge Richard Marks KC, presiding over the case, condemned her actions as “sheer madness,” emphasizing that her passengers were engaged in reckless behaviour moments before the collision.

Rejecting claims that someone had tugged her arm, Judge Marks stated unequivocally that the primary cause of the collision was Okojie-Aidonojie’s grossly excessive speed. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging their profound grief over the senseless loss of their loved ones.

The court heard that Okojie-Aidonojie’s Mini was travelling at least 62mph in a 30mph zone before the crash occurred. Mr Boutjettif and Ms Macharia, who were not wearing seatbelts, had been captured on video dancing in the back of the vehicle just before the incident.

Prosecutor Sally Mertens revealed that the defendant had been with Mr. Sidibe and Ms. Macharia to pick up their friend from a nightclub. CCTV footage showed the Mini accelerating before its wheels collided with raised kerbstones and flipped over on Latchmere Road.

Okojie-Aidonojie initially denied dangerous driving despite her culpability, claiming it was merely careless. However, following her conviction, she expressed remorse in a letter read to the court, acknowledging her responsibility for the tragedy and extending her heartfelt apologies to the victims’ families and Mr. Sidibe.

In addition to her prison sentence, Okojie-Aidonojie was disqualified from driving for six years upon her release.