Driver faces jail for death crash

Emily Jade Brady was inside the car when it crashed

A man who left his girlfriend to die in a burning car after telling emergency services there was no one inside has been warned he faces a jail sentence.

Waqaw Arshad, 24, of Sherd Close, Luton, admitted causing the death of Emily Brady, 17, by careless driving while over the drink drive limit.

Luton Crown Court heard the car crashed into a field in Buckinghamshire, while Emily was a front-seat passenger.

Arshad was told he will be sentenced on 19 June.

The court heard he was twice asked if anyone was inside the vehicle and on both occasions said there was nobody else with him.

It seems to me on what I have heard so far a substantial sentence is inevitable Judge John Bevan

It was only later as firemen tackled the blaze that they realised Emily was in the car still strapped into the passenger seat.

Arshad also pleaded guilty to causing her death while uninsured.

Emily's mother Patricia Brady said: "It was despicable behaviour to make no attempt to try and pull her out of the car."

The court was told the couple had been out together and both had been drinking.

The prosecution said Arshad failed to negotiate a bend on a country lane and crashed his vehicle into a tree before coming to a halt in a field in Eversholt when it caught fire.

Drink driving

Both had been wearing seat belts and Arshad managed to get out of the car, but no attempt was made to get the teenager out of the car, the court heard.

Fire crews found the car alight with the tyres melting along with paintwork.

Arshad failed to tell paramedics who arrived on the scene and later told the fire officer for a second time no one else was in the car, the court heard.

Emily's charred body was discovered by firemen as they tackled the blaze.

The court heard that following her death and while on bail, Arshad was arrested for drink driving.

He appeared before magistrates and pleaded guilty to failing to supply a specimen and was banned from driving for 12 months.

Remanding him in custody, Judge John Bevan said: "It seems to me on what I have heard so far a substantial sentence is inevitable."