Youth detained over crash death

A youth who drove into a group of teenagers, killing one and injuring 14 others has been detained for six years.

Ben Gemmell, 17, lost control of his car and hit the group of 30 children in Thorpe Bay, Essex, on 6 March.

Eleanor McGrath, 14, of Shoebury, died in hospital, while 16-year-old Jack Horton from Barling remains in a serious condition at a London hospital.

Gemmell earlier admitted causing death by dangerous driving and eight counts of causing grievous bodily harm.

As well as the six-year sentence, to be served at a young offenders' institute, Gemmell was also disqualified from driving for 10 years.

After sentencing at Basildon Crown Court, Ch Insp Tom Diment said: "Ben Gemmell began reflecting long and hard on his immature behaviour from the very moment he lost control of his car in March; a moment which only lasted for a few seconds, but which wreaked devastation to many.

He has to live with the fact that he took a life and maimed several others Ch Insp Tom Diment

"Our thoughts very much continue to remain with Eleanor McGrath's family as well as those relatives of Jack Horton, who has battled with multiple injuries and is still in hospital fighting to recover from a serious brain injury."

He said the crash had had a long-lasting impression on many other teenagers in the area, including those who were injured, witnessed the incident and others who helped administer first aid.

He said: "If ever anyone, especially young motorists, needed a wake-up call to remind them of the dangers of reckless driving, then this incident sadly does so.

"Ben Gemmell's start to adulthood has been ruined. He has to live with the fact that he took a life and maimed several others."

The families of all those injured and killed said in a statement: "Today symbolises the end and start of many chapters from what can only be described as an horrific collision which resulted in death and serious injury for so many.

"For many of us the story does not conclude here. We will continue to try and rebuild our lives by overcoming the physical and psychological scars left by the actions carried out by Ben Gemmell that day in March."