R v Dean Tolan

April 22, 2026

Laura Marshall prosecuted Dean Tolan who pleaded guilty to causing the death of 29-year-old Ellie Smart by dangerous driving.

In addition to speeding at 58mph when he hit Ms Smart as she attempted to cross the road, Tolan was not wearing his glasses in spite of licence conditions. He was also using his phone moments beforehand.

Tolan was jailed for nine years and handed a ten-year driving ban to begin upon his release.

The case was covered on the BBC, and in the Daily Mail, the Mirror, the Star and the Sun.