A SUFFOLK mother who watched a drink-driver admit to causing the crash which killed her son, told how her family will never get over their loss.

Colin Adwent

A SUFFOLK mother who watched a drink-driver admit to causing the crash which killed her son, told how her family will never get over their loss.

Jayne Jones was at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday to hear Nicholas Kemp, of Eastward Place, Stowmarket, plead guilty to causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Aiden Jones, 20, of Orwell Road, Stowmarket, died in a collision that also injured five others including 36-year-old Kemp, who ended up with a broken leg and arm.

He was still using a walking stick as an aid when he attended court to enter his plea.

Kemp was at the wheel of his Citroen C5 when it collided with Mr Jones' Ford Focus on the B1113 Needham Market road at Badley just before midnight on May 1.

Following his guilty plea, the case has now been adjourned for pre-sentence reports and will be listed to return to Ipswich Crown Court in the week commencing January 18.

After the hearing, Mrs Jones, 50, - who was in court with family members including her husband Martin, 51, and Aiden's brother Steve, 25 - said: “I looked at him (Kemp) and he just looked cold-hearted. I would hope he would get the maximum sentence.

“We have got a life sentence. He hasn't. He is out for Christmas.

“My Aiden should have been here for Christmas and he can't be, because he (Kemp) took him away from us.

“Whatever he gets is not going to bring Aiden back. I believe the penalties for drink-driving should be much tougher.

“Aiden was a happy-go-lucky lad. He always put others first. Aiden was a very happy, kind, considerate young man who had everything in life to look forward to, particularly his 21st birthday on May 26.

“We are devastated that Aiden was taken from us so suddenly.”

A passenger in Kemp's car and another in Mr Jones' Ford sustained serious injuries in the collision. Two other friends of Mr Jones suffered minor injuries.

Richard Potts, representing Kemp, said his client realised that serious consequences will follow from his decision to plead guilty, but asked Judge John Holt to extend his client's bail.

Judge Holt agreed to release Kemp on unconditional bail until his sentencing.

Mr Jones was a trainee accountant and a keen football fan. He was a season ticket holder at Ipswich Town for 14 years and was also an England supporter, travelling to all the games he could get to home and away.