Three youths died after speeding teenager ploughed into lamppost

A TEENAGE driver who killed three of his friends when he crashed his car while speeding has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Jamie Burke, 19, of Cambridge Close, Neasden, was the sole survivor of the crash that claimed the lives of 17-year-old Conrad Ryan, Craig Charles, 18, both of Aylesbury Street, Neasden, and Jamal Campbell, 18, of North Circular Road, Neasden, on August 21 last year.

St Alban’s Crown Court heard Burke, who turned 19 today (Thursday), was racing at 49mph through Wiggenhall Road in Watford, Herts, which was a 30mph street, when he crashed into a lamppost.

All three youths, who were not wearing their seatbelts, died at the scene.

Burke admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving on the first day of his trial in September, and was sentenced today (Thursday).

The court also heard the tyres on Burke’s car were over-inflated but this was not attributed to the crash.

Sentencing him, Judge John Plumstead said: “I accept, and I think the families of those who died also accept, that you did not set out to do any harm.

“You are a young and inexperienced driver and lacked the experience and wisdom necessary to realise that the tyres must have been starting to go down

“You pleaded guilty but it’s right that I point out that you pleaded guilty on the day the trial was due to start, so those who wanted this to be over have had to wait longer than they should have done.”

Commenting on a letter written to the family from Burke in which he apologised for his actions, Judge Plumstead added: “I must give you some credit because it is coupled with real remorse and not just crocodile tears.”

Burke will serve half of his prison term minus 45 days he spent on remand.

He was also disqualified for five years and must take an extended driving course before he is allowed back behind the wheel.