By NewsMata
A teenage driver is facing years in jail after he admitted causing the deaths of three of his friends who were killed in a car crash on their way home from school.
Edward Spencer, 18, was driving from Chipping Camden School, near Shipston, Warwickshire, last year when his Ford Fiesta collided with a Fiat 500.
His friends, sixth-form pupils Harry Purcell, 17, Matilda ‘Tilly’ Seccombe, 16, and Frank Wormald, 16, were airlifted to hospital.
‘Kind’ Harry and ‘beautiful’ Tilly died a day after the crash, while Frank passed away two days later.
Two children, aged 10 and 12, who were travelling in the Fiat with their stepmother, and another teenager, suffered ‘life-changing’ injuries which they still receive treatment for.
Spencer had only passed his driving test a few weeks before killing his three teenage pals in a horror crash, police revealed today (Monday).
The teenager appeared at Warwick Crown Court where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and will be sentenced next month.
The teenager, of Newbold-on-Stour, Warwickshire, also pleaded guilty to three counts of causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges at a previous hearing but changed his pleas today (Monday).
Harry Purcell – who was ‘so kind in every way’ – was in the Ford Fiesta when Edward Spencer crashed last year
Matilda ‘Tilly’ Seccombe’s family said they were ‘utterly devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl who made us so happy’
Frank Wormald died in hospital a day after his friends, who were also in the crash
Inspector Michael Huntley, from Warwickshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: ‘Drivers need to be aware of the devastating consequences that can occur if a car is driven carelessly.
‘Edward Spencer had only passed his test five weeks prior to the collision and his careless actions cost the lives of three young people travelling in his car.
‘Driving requires judgment and care, even more so when you lack experience. As this tragic case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be devastating.
‘So many lives have been ruined by this terrible incident. I can’t begin to imagine the pain this has caused, and our thoughts remain with the individuals and families affected.
‘Edward Spencer will live with the consequences of his careless actions for the rest of his life, as will the families of all those involved.’
Paying tribute previously, Harry’s family said in a statement: ‘Our hearts are broken but our love for Harry will live forever.
‘He was so kind in every way and carried with him a contagious smile that everyone around him loved so much.
‘He will live on in everyone’s hearts and memories forever and never be forgotten.’
Spencer appeared at Warwick Crown Court where he admitted causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving (pictured the scene of the crash)
Tilly’s family said: ‘We are utterly devastated by the loss of our beautiful girl who made us so happy.
‘Our hearts go out to all who knew her and will share this terrible pain. Thank you, Tilly.
‘We are blessed to have had you in our lives.’
In a letter to parents, Principal John Sanderson said at the time: ‘There are no words that I can find to express the sense of loss that we feel, both as a community and for Harry’s, Tilly’s, and Frank’s families and close friends.
‘Each one of these young people has been part of our extended school family and each loss is felt profoundly.
Principal John Sanderson said at the time ‘there are no words that I can find to express the sense of loss that we feel’ (pictured the scene of the crash)
‘In time, I would like to try and find the words to pay tribute to each of the young people we have lost, as each was remarkable and unique, having touched the lives of so many in such profound ways.
‘We continue to hope and pray that he will make good progress in recovering from his injuries over the coming weeks and months.
‘Edward and his family are very much in our thoughts.
‘This is a very difficult time for us all but there is strength and hope in knowing we walk it together.’ (Credit: Mail Online)
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