'I'm very sorry for killing your son, but this has affected me as well'

A novice driver killed a 16 year old boy in a horrific crash at 69mph while he was waiting to take part in a speed awareness course - then went onto cause ANOTHER crash in the weeks after.

University student Adam Ali, 19, had previously been caught speeding on a motorway and misusing his car horn, despite having passed his driving test only weeks before. Instead of receiving a fine and penalty points, he was offered a place on a retraining programme.

As the date for the course approached, though, Ali once again drove recklessly in his Vauxhall Corsa, seemingly trying to impress his three passengers. Travelling through a residential area in wet conditions at over double the 30mph speed limit, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a lamppost.

The backseat passenger, Ben Burbidge, sustained multiple fatal injuries from the collision and later died in hospital. An 18-year-old in the front seat suffered serious injuries, including multiple rib fractures, while the third passenger is believed to have escaped unharmed.

When questioned, Ali, from Kershaw Lane, Audenshaw, Tameside, expressed "remorse" for the tragic incident. He later penned a letter to Ben's parents, stating: "I’m very sorry for the accident that happened. Whilst I cannot imagine the pain you have gone through, this has affected me as well – I couldn’t focus on my university course as I would have panic attacks. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. If I could turn back time I would."

However, while awaiting trial, Ali was caught speeding twice more and later caused another road accident while banned from driving – all while inhaling a nitrous oxide canister at the wheel.

Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and, Breaking News group by