A woman from East Yorkshire has walked free from court after causing a horrific head-on collision that killed a young couple, while she was reportedly rushing to reach a beauty salon before it closed.
A Fatal Moment on a Wet Road
Laila Barnard-Wigley, a 27-year-old from Bridlington, was driving her black Mercedes Benz on the A165 in Bridlington on 7 May 2021. The court heard that after a period of heavy, 'biblical' rain, she was driving 'too fast for the conditions'.
Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh told Hull Crown Court that Barnard-Wigley was 'in a hurry' to get to a local beauty salon before its 3.30pm closing time to sell beauty products, including Estée Lauder items. Messages discussing make-up and perfumes were revealed as evidence of her intent.
As she overtook vehicles to make progress, her car encountered standing water. It is believed the Mercedes aquaplaned, veered across the road, and collided head-on with a red Peugeot 208 travelling in the opposite direction.
Devastating Consequences and Heartbroken Families
The Peugeot was driven by Dean Yarrow, 33, from Scarborough, with his girlfriend, Faye Wardle, 32, in the passenger seat. A young boy was secured in a child seat in the rear. The collision claimed the lives of both Mr Yarrow and Miss Wardle.
In powerful victim impact statements, the court heard of the profound and enduring grief. Mr Yarrow's mother said her world was destroyed and she was 'broken beyond repair', having 'never known so much pain'. Miss Wardle's father described the 'deafening' silence in his home, calling his life 'very sad'.
Miss Wardle's sister paid tribute, stating: 'She was the person I looked up to.' She added that the couple were 'the life and soul of any party' and that she felt part of her identity had been taken.
Suspended Sentence and Driving Ban
Barnard-Wigley, who also suffered serious injuries, had initially faced a retrial for causing death by dangerous driving after a jury failed to reach verdicts in December 2023. She later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving.
Mitigating, Richard Dawson said the case arose from a 'simple driver error' and a 'momentary lapse'. He stated Barnard-Wigley 'simply did not appreciate the risks associated with aquaplaning' and that the event was 'entirely out of character'. He expressed her profound remorse and apologies to the families.
On 9 January 2026, the judge handed Barnard-Wigley a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, given a six-month curfew, and disqualified from driving for five years. She must pass an extended retest before driving legally again.
The court acknowledged her previous good character, clean driving record, and genuine remorse, but the sentence could not, as the defence conceded, restore the two lost lives.
