See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy NOOR QURASHI, NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:36 BST, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 17:24 BST, 2 September 2026
A driver who reached speeds of 137mph in a crash that killed a 19-year-old woman has been told to expect a 'significant' jail sentence.Luciano Spirito, 25, admitted causing the death of Darcy Thomsett by dangerous driving in a collision on the A20 near Farningham on February 11, 2023.The crash, which involved a red Polo GTI driven by Spirito and a Mercedes Sprinter, happened at a junction with Eglantine Lane at around 10.50pm.The court heard how there were four other people in the Polo, three of whom were taken to hospital along with Spirito.Ms Thomsett was pronounced dead at the scene, with friends and family later raising thousands of pounds for charity in her memory.Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court, Spirito, from Bromley, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death while driving uninsured and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.Judge Julian Smith described his speed as 'off the scale' – telling Spirito and his family in court he will be sent to prison when sentenced on November 18.At his sentencing, the prosecution is expected to state Spirito's vehicle reached speeds of 137mph in the seconds before the crash. Darcy Thomsett lost her life as a result of the crash, with friends and family later raising thousands of pounds for charity in her memory Luciano Spirito, 25, admitted causing the death of Darcy Thomsett by dangerous driving in a collision on the A20 near Farningham on February 11, 2023Defence barrister John Dye said he believed Spirito was driving at around 115mph but accepted this would not change much in terms of the judge's sentencing.Spirito was originally due to go to trial in December.He was given unconditional bail to appear back at Maidstone Crown Court for sentencing and handed an interim disqualification from driving.Paying tribute to Ms Thomsett, whose funeral was held on March 17, 2023, her family described her as 'always full of colour'.They added: 'The reality is that we have all lost someone who is unique and irreplaceable.'Ultimately, only time will make the pain a little easier to bear.'







