Colchester man convicted for fatal crash killing Alliyah Bell
- Daniel Chappell was found guilty of causing the death of Alliyah Bell, who died after being struck by his vehicle while he was speeding.
- The court determined that Alliyah would have survived if Chappell had been driving within the speed limit.
- The family expressed their ongoing grief, stating they will suffer for the rest of their lives without her.
A tragic incident occurred on 29 August 2021, when 17-year-old Alliyah Bell was struck by a speeding vehicle driven by Daniel Chappell in Colchester. After being seriously injured, she succumbed to her injuries 11 days later in the hospital. The court found that had Chappell adhered to the 30mph speed limit, Alliyah would likely have survived the collision. Forensic experts confirmed he had sufficient time to react before the crash, indicating that the incident was preventable. Chappell, 37, was convicted of causing death by careless driving at Chelmsford Crown Court. The jury deliberated for over three hours before reaching a guilty verdict. Alliyah's mother expressed the profound grief her family is enduring, stating they will suffer for the rest of their lives without her. The emotional toll of the trial was significant, as it forced the family to relive their darkest moments. Det Insp Mark Fraser from Essex Police emphasized the avoidable nature of the tragedy, highlighting the dangers of speeding in residential areas, especially during the early hours. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the lasting impact it has on victims' families. Chappell is scheduled to be sentenced on 16 October, and the community is left to grapple with the loss of a young life. This incident underscores the importance of adhering to speed limits and the responsibility drivers have to ensure the safety of others on the road.