Tributes pour in for girl, 18, killed in crash in Banbury: Man is charged over 'drink-driving smash'

Published: 01:18 BST, 6 October 2026 | Updated: 01:44 BST, 6 October 2026

Tributes have been paid to a 'funny, witty and kind' girl who was killed in a crash at the weekend. 

Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs, 18, had been driving a white Volkswagen Polo along Bloxham Road, in Banbury, when she collided with a white Mercedes at around 9.20pm on Saturday.

Police were called to the scene and the teenager was raced to hospital, where she tragically died in the hours that followed. 

Thames Valley Police said one man, Brian Mclaren, has since been charged over the smash. 

The 36-year-old appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving whilst disqualified and causing death by due care while over the prescribed limit. 

He also faces two further charges of driving while disqualified and driving a motor vehicle above the legal alcohol level.   

A 24-year-old man and a woman, 33, have also been arrested in relation to Esme's death but have since been released on bail as officers continue their investigation.

In an emotional tribute released last night, Esme's family described her as a 'beautiful human being, on the inside and out.' 

Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs (pictured) died aged 18 on Saturday following a car crash in Banbury 

Esme had been driving a Volkswagen Polo along Boxham Road when the vehicle collided with a white Mercedes

The tribute read: 'On Sunday the 4th of October the world got suddenly dimmer as one of the brightest and most unique lights left us too soon.

'Esme Elizabeth Heaton-Biggs was a funny, kind, stubborn, witty and beautiful human being, on the inside and the outside. Loved by family and friends alike, a much loved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.

'She leaves behind a mum that will miss her smile and her laughter, and her uncanny ability to lift anyone up who needed it.

'She leaves behind a dad that will miss her practical jokes, and cheeky temperament that could lighten everyone's day up.

'She leaves behind a brother that will miss his little sister, the pink version of himself, the one person that always pushed him to do more.

'She leaves behind a sister-in-law that will miss spontaneous messages, pictures, singalongs and shopping trips.

'She leaves behind a group of friends who describe her as "their spark" and the glue that held the social group together.'

The family added: 'The tragic loss of Esme leaves a profoundly large hole in the hearts of so many for so many different reasons, and she has been tragically taken from all of us far too soon.'

Thames Valley Police is appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the crash to come forward.   

Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby of the serious collision investigation unit said: 'Firstly, our thoughts remain with the young woman's family and friends at this devastating time.

'We are working hard to establish exactly what happened and would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or has relevant footage, to come forward as a matter of urgency.

'A number of people were at the scene and if you have not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.

'I also ask any drivers who were in the area at the time and have dashcam footage to review it, as it may contain important information about the collision or the moments leading up to it.'

Police said anyone with information should call 101 or report it on the Thames Valley Police website quoting reference number 43260517700.