Man jailed over girlfriend crash

An aspiring professional footballer who caused a horror smash which led to the death of his girlfriend has been locked up for two-and-a-half years after admitting driving dangerously and without a licence or insurance.

Ben Sanderson, aged 20, was travelling at nearly twice the speed limit and had three deflated tyres when he lost control of his blue Renault Clio and ploughed into a garden wall in Wolverhampton, the city's crown court was told.

His 16-year-old Karra Hughes was in the passenger seat.

She was pronounced dead at New Cross Hospital shortly afterwards. Neither were wearing seatbelts.

Mark Rees QC, prosecuting, told yesterday how the tragedy happened in Amos Lane, Wednesfield, on January 7.

"At 12.45am he drove his car to the Royal British Legion club to pick up his girlfriend," he said. "He lost control while going around a series of bends in Amos Lane and crossed the road, mounting a pavement.

"The car hit a low boundary wall, smashed into a wooden fence and finally came to a rest after hitting a substantial brick pillar, which actually moved a few inches with the force of the crash."

Sanderson, of Woden Avenue, Wednesfield, suffered fractures to his ribs and collarbone and admitted to police that he had no driving licence, insurance or MOT in an interview. He later also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.

Mr Rees said the Clio was estimated to be travelling at speeds of 57mph in the 30mph street.

Karra, of Ashmore Park, was a popular Coppice Performing Arts pupil who dreamed of being a midwife.

Sanderson, a window fitter, is a keen footballer who had a trial at Arsenal. The couple's son Camron was just five months old when his mother was killed.

Sanjeen Garcha, defending, said: "One day he will have to explain to Camron."

Judge Sybil Thomas also banned Sanderson from driving for four years.

He is the nephew of former British champion javelin thrower Tessa Sanderson MBE. His brother Jermaine was a member of Wolverhampton soul group 4Sure.

By Tom Edwards