A UNLICENSED driver who killed the passenger of a vehicle he was driving when he lost control has been jailed. 

Daniel Kalva, of Bridge Street in Ledbury, who did not have a license or insurance at the time, killed Molly Stone after Kalva crashed into a building.

Kalva admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured and unlicensed and perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Tuesday, (March 5). 

The court heard in the early hours of November 7, 2022, the 21-year-old drove on the A438, between Hereford and Ledbury, with passenger Molly Stone and one other passenger.

Ledbury Reporter: MEMORIES: Molly Stone, right, with her sister Abbie BrooksMEMORIES: Molly Stone, right, with her sister Abbie Brooks (Image: West Mercia Police/family handout)After crashing Molly, who was 19 at the time, was ejected from the vehicle and died in hospital from her injuries.

Kalva was jailed for 11 years.

Police Constable Jamie Carr, from Hereford Operations Policing Unit, said: “No length of sentencing will ever be able to replace a daughter and sister who was very much loved by family and friends.
Ledbury Reporter: JAILED: Daniel KalvaJAILED: Daniel Kalva (Image: West Mercia Police)

"Molly’s parents and sister have been extremely brave throughout the investigation into the loss of their daughter and sibling.

“Molly’s parents would like to thank the emergency services who attended the incident for their work and also the NHS for their efforts to save Molly’s life.

Ledbury Reporter: JAILED: Kalva was jailed at Worcester Crown CourtJAILED: Kalva was jailed at Worcester Crown Court

“I do hope that one positive outcome to this traumatic incident is that it gives a clear message that people should not get behind a wheel unless they are legally able to do so and drive responsibly with care and thought of others."

Following Molly's death her sister, Abbie Brooks, said: “As a family, we are devastated and living in an ongoing nightmare.

“Molly was the kindest, happiest, most innocent soul who would forever go out of her way to help people.

"She would do anything for anyone and a send-off that does her justice is the least she deserves.

“Loving her changed our lives, and losing her did the same. Forever our angel, forever nineteen.”

A fundraising page to help pay for funeral costs raised thousands and a family fun day also more than £5,000 for the ELY Memorial Fund and RoadPeace.