Teen driver admits Patshull Park Hotel lake crash killing

Ben Henshaw was a passenger in Max Parker's Peugeot 206 when it crashed into the water at Patshull Park Hotel last August.

Parker, aged 19, of Greenway Avenue, Bridgnorth, today pleaded guilty to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

The plea was entered at Stafford Crown Court on the basis that the defendant knew the vehicle's rear offside tyre and brakes were defective.

Prosecutor Mr Hugh O'Brien-Quinn told today's hearing: "There is a short basis of plea that states that the condition of the vehicle created the risk of dangerousness in this case." He said the plea of guilty on that basis was acceptable to the prosecution.

Judge John Wait told Parker that a prison sentence was 'inevitable'.

Wearing a grey suit, white shirt and a tie, Parker bowed his head as he admitted the charge during today's hearing.

The court heard how the accident happened in the early hours of August 6. The body of Mr Henshaw, from Alveley, was found in the lake later that day.

Parker and a 15-year-old girl who had been a passenger in the car both freed themselves after the crash at the hotel grounds near Pattingham.

The court was told that Parker had no previous convictions and had made admissions to the police as soon as he was interviewed.

Judge Wait added: "This is an admission where he knew there was a defective rear offside tyre and knew the brakes were defective and continued driving, which in itself is dangerous, because he knew of those dangers."

He told Parker: "You have pleaded guilty to a very grave charge and a custodial sentence in inevitable."

Parker was immediately disqualified from driving during today's hearing and will be sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on July 3.