Thirty-year-old admits causing the death of Lyme Regis teenager Will Ure by careless driving

A Colyton driver has been warned he faces a jail sentence after admitting causing the death of a 17-year-old passenger in a crash in East Devon.

Richard Weldon, aged 30, pleaded guilty to causing the death of William Ure by careless driving in the accident at Ware Cross on the A 3052, near Uplyme, in the early hours of December 17, 2016.

A more serious charge of causing death by dangerous driving was dropped at Exeter Crown Court.

William, known as Will, lived in Lyme Regis and was a student at Woodroffe School and had an evening job at the Royal Standard pub in the town. He was also a keen surfer.

He died when Weldon’s Honda Civic car crashed off the road and hit a tree. Weldon himself suffered serious injuries in the accident.

Judge David Evans adjourned sentence until May 29 to allow Weldon’s defence team time to collate medical evidence showing the long and short term effects of the accident on him.

He ordered a full probation pre sentence report and imposed an interim driving disqualification.

He told Weldon: “You have pleaded guilty to this alternative charge. That is, of course, still a very serious criminal offence and you are at risk of losing your liberty.

“You must put your personal affairs in order in advance of that hearing.”

Mr Richard Crabb, prosecuting, said William’s family had been consulted over the decision to accept the lesser charge. He said his parents had attended the hearing and were in the public gallery.

Mr Adam Morgan, defending, said Weldon had suffered very serious injuries in the accident.

Tributes were paid to Will by his family and friends after his death.

The family said: “Will was a caring and loving son and brother and a loyal friend to many. He was fun loving and lived life to the full. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace our lovely boy.”

Michael Greenhough, Will’s head of year at Woodroffe School, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this horrific news. All my thoughts are for Will’s family.”

He added: “Will left the school in 2015 with an aspiration to pursue carpentry and boat building. Will had a close group of friends with whom he was highly regarded.

“His passing will have a big impact on those that knew him.”