A TEENAGE motorist has been jailed for causing the death of his 14-year-old girlfriend when he took to the roads without passing his test.

Kevin Parker, 19, drove his automatic E-reg Escort Ghia into the path of a Citroen Xantia on the A693 between Chester-le-Street and Stanley on August 16 last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that 14-year-old Nicola Wiggins suffered a fractured leg and pelvis and died in hospital from brain damage as a result of massive head injuries a week later.

Prosecutor Christopher Williamson told the court that Parker had been driving between lanes and that his reckless driving had forced a van driver to slam on his brakes to avoid a crash even before the accident happened.

He told the court: "The defendant went into the right-hand lane and without stopping turned across the path of a Citroen Xantia coming the other way."

Mr Williamson said the driver of the Xantia, David Hope, clearly had right of way and could do nothing to stop the collision.

Parker, of Elm Street, South Moor, Stanley, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and driving with no licence.

Witnesses of the crash described his driving as 'simply disgraceful' and one said 'it was as if there was no-one there.'

The court heard that Parker had promised Nicola's mother he had a licence, but in fact had only ever received lessons from his mates.

While on bail for causing the crash, the court heard that Parker was spotted on the roads by police on two more occasions.

He has admitted two further charges of driving without a licence, insurance or an MOT.

Judge Peter Armstrong jailed Parker for three years and disqualified him from driving for six years.

Judge Armstrong said: "She was only 14 years of age. Not only have you snuffed out her young life but you have caused a devastating effect on the members of her whole family. That is something you are going to have to live with for the rest of your life.

"Her mother actually asked you about a driving licence and you lied to her. Had you told the truth I have no doubt she would not have been allowed to go in the car at all."

Defence barrister John Lowe said: "The family possibly cannot accept the apology I put forward on his behalf, and that is understandable, but he does put it forward."

Judge Armstrong, commenting on the fact that Parker took to the roads again after the accident, said: "It seems on the face of it to go against your expressions of remorse and grief that you say you have."

Nicola's family were too distressed to talk after the hearing.

One family member said: "It's ridiculous. He'll serve one-an-a-half years for Nicola's 14 years."

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