Man jailed for killing engaged teenagers in Wiltshire crash

Jack Paolucci, 19, and Courtney Jennings, 18, died at the scene of the crash

A man has been jailed after a crash which killed two engaged teenagers.

Bradley Clough, 25, from Lancashire, was driving seven passengers in his five-seater car in Wiltshire when he skidded and collided into trees.

He was jailed for three years after being convicted of causing the deaths of Courtney Jennings, 18, and Jack Paolucci,19, by careless driving.

The teenagers' families said they were "bound by the love Courtney and Jack shared for each other".

Ms Jennings, who was serving with the Adjutant General's Corp attached to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and L/Cpl Jack Paolucci, from Birmingham, died at the scene of the crash.

Two other passengers suffered serious injuries in the collision on Perham Down Road in Tidworth on 29 October 2021.

After a week long trial at Winchester Crown Court in December, Clough, of Burnley Road, was sentenced on Thursday.

The families urged parents to educate their children about vehicle safety

The car he was driving was found to be overloaded and one of the tyres was underinflated, Wiltshire Police said.

The victims' families said in a joint statement: "It is still impossible to comprehend, understand or see a way forward without the light Courtney and Jack brought to our lives.

"Such a tragic night that has affected the lives of numerous families.

"Some of the heartbreak would have been eased by truth and remorse from Bradley for an action that cost us so much. But unfortunately, that was not to be."

'Forever proud'

They said they were thankful they had got some justice and Clough would have "the reflection time in prison it's so clear he needs".

"As the two families of Courtney and Jack, we remain bound by the love they shared for each other and provide each other the strength needed to manage each day as one family.

"For our children, we will be forever proud and grateful that you chose us to be your parents," they said.

The families also urged parents to speak to young people about vehicle safety.

'Incredibly reckless'

They said: "We would like to ask parents to educate their children on the dangers of being in an over-laden car without a seatbelt.

"It is important too, when your child starts to drive, that they understand the responsibility the privilege of driving comes with and the essential requirement for maintaining their vehicle properly.

"If Courtney and Jack can help one other family not to suffer like we have, our loss won't have been in vain."

Investigating officer Rachel Catling, of Wiltshire Police, said Clough's actions were "incredibly reckless and irresponsible".

"Jack and Courtney, who were engaged, had their whole lives and promising careers in the army ahead of them.

"I would like to pay tribute to them and their parents who have behaved with dignity and respect throughout this lengthy process despite the significant amount of pain that they must be experiencing," she said.

Clough was also disqualified from driving for three-and-a-half years and must sit an extended driving test before being allowed to drive again.