£250 fine: Cost to driver who left teenage girl in coma

Ellie Vardy, from Eckington, south of Sheffield, was 14 when she was in the passenger seat of a car involved in a high-speed crash 18 months ago. As well as the brain injury, Ellie, now 16, suffered several broken bones and internal injuries.

Ellie’s parents, Paul and Nicky Vardy, said in a statement: “We’re just relieved that the driver has taken responsibility and it is now over. It’s taken a long time but Ellie is now walking again, although she is unsteady on her feet.

“She has also learned to talk again and, even though her speech can sometimes be a bit unclear, we can understand what Ellie is saying, and it is such a relief to be able to communicate with our daughter again.

“Ellie’s recovery is far from complete but she’s working very hard to keep getting better, and she is a huge inspiration to us all. Just seeing her get back to school and doing some of the normal things she is able to do is more than we ever hoped for.”

Specialists at law firm Irwin Mitchell have been working with the family to secure the necessary funds from a claim to help pay for her rehabilitation and treatment. A new bungalow is being purchased so Ellie can get around safely, and support has been provided to allow her to return to school in Eckington.

The driver involved in the crash, Jack Marsh, 20, of Emmett Carr Lane, Renishaw, pleaded guilty at Derby Crown Court to driving without due care and attention. On Wednesday, he was ordered to pay a £250 fine and £850 costs, given six points on his licence and will need to retake his driving test.