THE DRIVER who caused the crash in which Lydbrook teenager Leanne Davies died has been jailed for six years.

Twenty-year-old Paul Reddan of Broadwell, was found guilty at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday of causing the death by dangerous driving while 'racing' a car driven by 19-year-old Matthew Creed.

Creed, of Brierley, was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.

Reddan lost control of his car, in which Miss Davies was a passenger, near the war memorial in Longhope on the A4136 on May 31 last year.

Gloucestershire Police said he had 'broken the speed limit, tailgated and overtaken another car inappropriately, before losing control as he rounded a bend because he was going too fast for the corner.

"The car collided with a wall, and caught fire. The flames were extinguished by local residents and passers-by but Leanne, age 19, suffered fatal injuries in the collision'.

Following the verdict, Leanne's family released a statement: "We, the family of Leanne Davies, welcome the verdict handed down by the court today.

"We wish to thank the court, (prosecutor) Mr (Ray) Tulley and his team at the Crown Prosecution Service and the police for their meticulous investigation into the truth of what happened that tragic evening.

"Our lives have been on hold since that night, whilst Mr Reddan has been able to carry on with his, showing no remorse whatsoever for his actions.

"We hope that with this trial now over we can start to move on with our lives and focus on our many fond memories of Leanne. And finally we would like to thank all of our friends and family for their continued support."