The family of a ‘loving and creative’ Warminster woman killed in a road traffic collision three years ago have paid tribute after two men were jailed for dangerous driving.
Ella Cook died in a collision on the A36 in Claverton on 15th April 2023, aged 26.
Two men from Warminster, Lewis Glasby and Alfie Cook, were jailed after the court heard they had been racing one another before the collision.
Glasby, 23, of The Beeches in Warminster, and Cook, 22, of Brook Street in Warminster, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Cook received a prison sentence of nine years and four months at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 10th April. Glasby received a prison sentence of nine years.
On behalf of Ella’s family, Kai Poa-Tams, Ella’s fiancée, said, “Ella was a deeply loving partner, daughter, sister and friend. She gave herself completely to the people she cared about, always putting others first with a warmth that made everyone feel safe, valued and understood.
“She had a natural way of bringing people together, and her kindness left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.
“Ella was also a valued and dedicated member of staff at NHS Blood and Transplant, progressing through her career with remarkable determination.
“In a way that feels both heartbreaking and extraordinary, her work came full circle- she received donated blood after the collision, blood that she herself had helped process earlier that very day.
“That was Ella: giving to others, right until the very end. From the moment we met, everything just clicked. It was instant, effortless, and real.
“Ella was truly one of a kind. She was warm, loving, creative, and full of life – and the world feels immeasurably emptier without her.”
Both men will be disqualified from driving for five years upon their release from prison and will need to pass an extended test before regaining their licence.
Designated Investigating Officer, Emma Ling, said, “Both Alfie Cook and Lewis Glasby were driving well in excess of the speed limit before the fatal collision occurred.
“Excessive speed is one of the Fatal Five causes that lead to most death and serious injury collisions in this country. Both men deliberately ignored the speed limits and drove dangerously along a busy A-road, with seemingly little thought of the tragic consequences that could, and sadly did, happen.
“They have both received substantial prison sentences and driving disqualifications as a result.
“Our thoughts are with Ella’s family, who have been left devastated by what has happened.”
