Latest police update on Shipston triple tragedy as teenager charged with causing three deaths

Police have released an update on a triple tragedy in Warwickshire, with a man accused of causing three deaths. Three teenagers, Harry Purcell, Matilda Seccombe and Frank Wormald, all died in a crash near Shipston in April last year.

A woman and two children, who were in a Fiat 500, were also seriously injured in the accident which occurred on April 21, 2023 at around 4:10 p.m. All three continue to receive treatment for their injuries.

Police say a trial date has been set for a man accused of causing death and serious injury. Edward Spencer, 18, of Newbold on Stour, appeared at Warwick Crown Court yesterday, Thursday June 13.

Learn more: The face of a dangerous rapist and a catalog of horrific crimes revealed

Spencer was charged with three counts of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and three counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.

Warwickshire Police said a judge had granted an application to allow the 18-year-old to plead guilty at a later date. A plea hearing date was scheduled for Thursday, September 5 with a tentative trial date set for March 3, 2025.

Relatives of Harry Purcell previously said they were “broken” by their loss, while the family of Matilda “Tilly” Seccombe said they were “completely devastated”. Chipping Campden School headteacher John Sanderson described the teenagers as “wonderful” and said they were “dearly missed”.