Family's pain as grave of girl killed celebrating birthday vandalised with chilling words

Sick vandals have defaced the memorial of a teenager killed in a devastating car accident with four chilling words.

Bethany Fisher's life was cut short following a crash near her Bedlington, Northumberland home after celebrating her 19th birthday. Jordan O'Donnell, who was driving the car, admitted to causing death by dangerous driving among other charges relating to the incident on August 19 2017.

On the eve of what would have been her birthday, and just before the seven-year mark of her passing, her family suffered a fresh hell as sick graffiti was discovered on her headstone at Netherton Lane Cemetery, which reads "tick tock, you're next". Family and police are now dealing with the fallout from this heartless crime.

Her devastated mum, Isabelle Easson expressed her sorrow: "We have to live with the heartbreak of losing our beautiful girl each and every day. Time will never heal these wounds, and now our suffering has been made worse by this horrendous act. Whoever is responsible for causing our family such distress at what is always the most difficult time of the year for us is utterly heartless."

The disrespectful vandalism occurred sometime between the night of August 15 and noon on August 16, with police now seeking any information to track down those responsible, reports Chronicle Live.

Inspector Wayne Daniels, from Northumbria Police, expressed his disgust at the desecration of Bethany's final resting place: "This act of vandalism at Bethany's grave- a place where loved ones come to remember their beloved daughter, sister and friend is an abhorrent crime."

He implored the public to assist in the investigation, saying, "We would urge anyone who has any information about what has happened, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward."

The tragic tale unfolded at Newcastle Crown Court, where it was revealed that Bethany had been out celebrating her birthday when O'Donnell, eager to impress, offered her and her best friend, Meg McBurnie, 19, a lift home. The court heard the harrowing details of how O'Donnell, a novice driver with only weeks of experience, attempted a risky overtake on a bend, resulting in a catastrophic loss of control.

His vehicle hurtled into parked cars along Victoria Terrace, spun wildly, and crashed into a fence and wall. In a panic, O'Donnell escaped to his house close by, deceitfully called the police, and falsely claimed his car had been stolen during a break-in. Despite the valiant efforts of neighbours and emergency medical technicians, Bethany succumbed to her injuries before she could be taken to hospital.

O'Donnell, formerly residing at Waverly Court, Bedlington Station, Northumberland, received a six-year prison sentence in October 2017 and was prohibited from driving for four years after his release.

Northumbria Police are calling on anyone with information to step forward and contact them, citing the crime reference number 096827A/24.