Grieving family's tribute to son

GRIEVING family of a Suffolk teenager who was killed in a car accident have spoken of their heartache of losing their “wonderful” son.

Jordan Smith, 18, of Burton Drive, Needham Market, died when he lost control of his Rover 220 on the B1113 between Bramford and Claydon in December 2005.

The teenager's car hit the verge and flipped over onto its roof before ending up back on the carriageway.

His car was then hit by a Ford Escort driven by his friend, 19-year-old Matthew Coleman, who had been following behind.

On Friday a jury at Ipswich Crown court cleared Mr Coleman, of Alexander Drive, Needham Market, of a charge of dangerous driving - an accusation he had always denied.

It had been alleged by the prosecution that he was travelling at 82mph before he ploughed into the wreckage of his friend's car although there was no suggestion he had caused his death.

Mr Smith's family - mother Jo, his father Neil and stepmother Jackie - issued a statement in the wake of the case.

It said: “When a policeman knocked at our door and informed us our son had died in an accident it brought our world crashing down and changed our lives forever.

“Since that awful night our lives have been indescribably painful and sad.

“The Crown Prosecution Service brought this prosecution and we would like to thank everyone involved for their work and dedication.”

“ We are very disappointed at the verdict. The CPS presented solid evidence but sadly the defence succeeded in creating doubt. This will not do anything to encourage young people to drive safely.

“We hope our son's death will make young drivers more aware of the consequences of their actions and make them understand they are not invincible.

“We also hope they might think about the devastating effect losing them has on their parents, families and friends.

“We love Jordan very much. He was a wonderful young man. We will miss him and love him for the rest of our lives.”