Speeding driver jailed for nine years after killing girl, 14, in crash

A driver who hit and killed a 14-year-old girl after speeding past another car in a residential area has been jailed for nine years.

Aaron Carter, 38, was travelling at almost twice the legal speed limit when he lost control of his Vauxhall Astra and ploughed into Tehleigher Bunting and her friend in Leicester on 26 October last year.

Emergency services rushed to the location at the junction of Braunstone Lane and Mortimer Way but were unable to save the teenager who died at the scene, while her friend escaped unharmed.

Carter was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries after overturning his car and was arrested by police later that day.

CCTV footage obtained by police showed Carter had overtaken another vehicle in a dangerous manoeuvre just moments before the crash.

The court heard he was driving at around 55mph in a 30mph zone when he hit Tehleigher.

Toxicology tests also revealed he had 3.7mcg of cannabis in his blood - almost twice the legal level.

It also emerged Carter had previously been advised to stop driving by healthcare professionals on multiple occasions due to his epilepsy.

Carter, of Leicester, was jailed for nine years on Friday after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

He was also disqualified from driving for life, due to his medical condition.

After the case, investigating officer detective constable Emma Mitchell said: “This incident has, understandably, had a devastating impact on Tehleigher’s family and those who knew her."

Following sentencing, Tehleigher family issued a statement via police, adding: “From the day she was born, Tehleigher was our world. She grew up to be a confident and beautiful young girl who was so loving and affectionate.

"She was an intelligent and bright teenager. She was aspirational and was working hard at school to get grades that meant she’d be able to join either the army or the police.

“There isn’t a day that passes when we don’t miss her. Her loss has impacted the entire family, particularly her siblings who miss her dearly.

The family said: “We love you, Tehleigher, and we always will. Our light, our beautiful girl, our life.”