A dangerous driver opened Snapchat on her phone seconds before she ploughed into a quadbike, killing a farmer.
Police were called to a two-vehicle crash on the A697 in Northumberland shortly after 5pm on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
A white Volkswagen Golf hit the back of a red Honda ATV as both travelled southbound.
The impact sent both vehicles off the road between Thrunton and Whittingham, just beyond the Garmintedge Bank junction.
Ami Dronsfield was on her phone checking her Snapchat account when she caused a fatal collision, running into the back of a quad bike, causing the death of farmer Michael Armstrong
The quad rider, Michael Armstrong, was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary after the crash. Despite emergency surgery, the 58-year-old farmer died 11 days later, on November 25, from his injuries.
Farmer Michael Armstrong died in hospital 11 days after suffering serious injuries in a collision with a car on a rural road as he drove his quad bike
Mr Armstrong’s two working sheepdogs were secured to the back of the quad bike; one was seriously injured and the other ran home to the nearby family farm.
Golf driver Ami Dronsfield spoke to officers after her phone automatically called the emergency services following the crash.
Phone data showed Dronsfield unlocked her device six seconds before the crash and opened Snapchat about two seconds beforehand.
Witnesses said Dronsfield overtook them on the A697 shortly before the collision, at speeds of up to 80mph.
Dronsfield, from Alnwick, admitted causing death by dangerous driving, at a Newcastle Crown Court plea hearing, on September 3.
The 36-year-old, of West Turnpike, was sentenced to 38 months in prison on her return to the court, on Wednesday, (October 7).
Ami Dronsfield was on her phone checking her Snapchat account when she caused a fatal collision, running into the back of a quad bike, causing the death of farmer Michael Armstrong
She was also banned from driving for six years and seven months and must pass an extended test before driving again.
In statements read to the court, Mr Armstrong's family said: “That day began like most days on the farm, up early, working long and hard hours.
“It was just like any normal day for us.
“He left our farm before 5pm with the usual: ‘Right I’m off, I’ll be back soon’.
“He left on our quad bike, little knowing those last few words would be the last he would speak.”
“The image of that evening will, I’m sure, continue to haunt all those that witnessed it.
“The final day we went to see Michael and say our last ‘goodbyes’ was November 24, 2024, which was also Michael’s son Lee’s 21st birthday.”
“The following day, Michael peacefully passed away.”
“Now, there are no happy birthdays for his son.
“There are only the memories of that horrific night and the loss of his father, his best friend and his mentor.”
They continued: “For us as a broken family, it has taken our rock, our mainstay and the driving force of our family and business.”
“It has robbed the community of a much-loved and respected man.
“It has put huge financial demands on our business and left a massive hole in the lives of everyone who loved Michael.
“Ms Dronsfield will at some point be free to laugh, to cry, to love and to enjoy her life.”
“She robbed Michael Armstrong of all of that, and it can never be altered or changed.
“Michael is gone because of Ms Dronsfield and we are left a broken family because of that night.”
Inspector Steven Clare, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to praise Michael’s loved ones for the composure and patience they have shown throughout these proceedings.”
“Our investigation showed without question that Dronsfield was using her mobile phone in the seconds before the collision.
“Someone lost their life simply because a driver wanted to check Snapchat.”
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“This was entirely avoidable and should not have happened if Dronsfield had been paying attention to the road ahead.”
“While no court sentence will ever take away the pain, I hope Dronsfield being behind bars for her incredibly dangerous driving offers some closure.
“There is no excuse for using a mobile phone behind the wheel.”