Brother admits sister's crash death

Suzanne Sparkes died after the car hit a tree

A teenager has admitted causing the death of his 16-year-old sister by dangerous driving after crashing his car during a police chase in Cardiff.

Brian Sparkes, 19, handed a letter to the judge confessing his responsibility for the accident in the Ely area in August.

Suzanne Sparkes was 16 years old

Suzanne Sparkes was in the back of the Ford Fiesta driven by her brother when it span out of control, mounted the pavement and hit a tree.

She was cut from the wreckage and taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, but later died.

Two other friends in the car escaped with minor injuries.

Sparkes, from Ely, fled the scene after the crash, but gave himself up 36 hours later after a police appeal.

He was supported by 12 friends and family during his appearance at Cardiff Crown Court.

Denied bail

Sparkes, who also admitted driving while disqualified, applied for bail on the grounds that he wanted to "grieve and make recompense with his family" before the sentence.

His request was denied, and the case was adjourned until 30 October when a date will be fixed for sentencing.

In September, Sparkes was among hundreds of mourners at his sister's funeral, which took place in a church just yards from where she died.

He arrived at the service flanked by guards and chained to a prison warder.