999 call 'might have saved girl'

Help was called only after Kirsty was taken away from the crash scene

A banned driver who did not call 999 when his girlfriend was badly hurt in a crash has admitted her manslaughter.

Andrew Bennett, 20, crashed a Subaru Impreza on the outskirts of Sheffield severly injuring Kirsty Cash, 17.

But Kirsty was taken to Bennett's Sheffield home before an ambulance was called. The delay probably led to her death, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

Bennett also admitted driving while disqualified and perverting the course of justice and will be sentenced later.

'Timely care'

Few details of the case were given at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

But Judge Alan Goldsack QC asked Michael Slater, prosecuting, whether the Crown's case was that if the "unfortunate young lady had got timely emergency care, on balance she would have survived". Mr Slater agreed.

Two other men - Robin Scholes, 39, and Steven Scott, 19 - have also admitted conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

She should have received immediate medical care Det Insp Tom Whiteley

Bennett's mother, Linda Bennett, 47, faces the same charge but has yet to enter a plea.

Speaking after Tuesday's hearing, Det Insp Tom Whiteley of South Yorkshire Police said the investigation team were pleased that Bennett had admitted responsibility for Kirsty's death.

He said the accident, which involved the Subaru leaving the road, colliding with a series of trees and then turning on its side, inflicted serious injuries on the teenager, who was thrown through the windscreen.

Further proceedings

Det Insp Whiteley said he could not go any further into what then happened to the seriously-injured girl, who was from the Southey Green area of Sheffield, due to further court proceedings.

But the detective added: "The girl was clearly seriously injured. She should have received immediate medical care."

The case was adjourned until 25 September, when a "trial of issue" will take place to establish the basis on which Bennett, of High Matlock Road, Sheffield; Scholes, of the same address, and Scott, of Greengate Lane, Sheffield, will be sentenced.

Bennett's mother, also of High Matlock Road, is expected to enter a plea on this date.

Bennett was remanded in custody and the other three defendants were given conditional bail.