A teenage motorist caused the death of his 14-year-old girlfriend when he took to the roads without passing his test and with the benefit of only a few lessons from his friends.

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

Newcastle Crown Court heard how his girlfriend, Nicola Wiggins, died in hospital from brain damage as a result of massive head injuries a week later.

Christopher Williamson, prosecuting, told the court how Parker had been driving between lanes and that his reckless driving had forced a van driver to brake sharply to avoid a crash even before the accident happened.

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

The court heard that Parker had promised Nicola's mother that 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 how Parker was spotted on the roads by police on two further occasions.

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

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

Parker admitted two further charges of driving without a licence, insurance or an MoT and will be sentenced by magistrates on Monday.