A COACH driver has admitted causing the death of a 22-year-old woman on a Suffolk road.

Tom Potter

A COACH driver has admitted causing the death of a 22-year-old woman on a Suffolk road.

Paul Marjoram pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday to causing death by careless driving, following the crash in Great Blakenham which killed Abbie Pennell.

Miss Pennell, of Hadleigh, died in the collision on the B1113, Bramford Road on the morning of Monday, August 3.

Marjoram was at the wheel of a coach that collided with her Mitsubishi Warrior pick-up truck at a junction close to the A14.

She was left trapped in her vehicle but attempts to save her failed and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Marjoram was charged in October with causing the crash, in which nobody on the coach was hurt.

The 43-year-old, of Occold, spoke in court only to confirm his name and answer the charge put before him.

The court heard how Marjoram, described as a man of hitherto exemplary character, had remained in the employment of the coach company since the crash.

He was released on unconditional bail until for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

Judge John Goodin said: “The offence to which you plead guilty is a serious one. The report will determine your attitude to the offence and the available sentences.”

Marjoram is due to reappear at Ipswich Crown Court to be sentenced during the week commencing February 1.

Miss Pennell's death was met with absolute shock by friends and family who described her as a wonderful, happy, smiling girl.

The former Claydon High School pupil worked at Otley College as a course administrator for distance learning.

Her uncle, Derek Pennell, said at the time that her family were distraught by her tragic death, while parents Philip and Louisa paid tribute to their “beautiful” and “precious” daughter.