A woman whose careless driving killed a much-loved teenager says she will forever be "haunted" by his death.

Jayne Lee-Alliston, 31, was at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta when it hit an oncoming Land Rover, flipping onto its roof in a ditch along the A257 in Littlebourne.

Kyle Plommer, 19, was killed, while his brother, Damien, another teenager and Lee-Alliston herself were seriously injured.

Maidstone Crown Court heard today how police investigators were unable to determine the cause of the crash, although suspected Lee-Alliston was driving too fast in the wet conditions.

The former care worker, of Horseless Road, Boughton Under Blean, admitted causing Kyle's death by careless driving, but was spared prison by a judge who believed her remorse was genuine.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes told the court how the Ford Fiesta turned 135 degrees before it struck an oncoming Land Rover driven by Eloise Coulson, 42, who escaped serious injury

Kyle was killed and his brother was knocked unconscious, suffering petrol burns.

A third passenger, a 17-year-old boy, was also knocked out and was in hospital for a month

Lee-Alliston was also seriously injured in the crash in February last year, suffering bleeding to her brain, a fractured spine, a ruptured spleen, kidney and rib injuries.

She is still receiving medical treatment for her brain injury.

Mr Forbes said Damien recalled seeing the speed at 45mph shortly before the crash on a road where pools of water were lying in places.

Police discovered a nail in one of the Fiesta's tyres, but experts could not say if had contributed to the tragic incident.

Some of the tyres also had reduced pressure – although not illegal - which police said may have resulted in reduced traction if the car had aquaplaned.

Kyle’s mother, Diane Plommer, of Underwood Close, Canterbury, read out a heartbreaking statement about her son to the judge.

“Kyle was our son," she said. "He was very loving and caring, and there is a massive void in our world now."

She also told of his love of music and cricket, which he played with his father, Geoff, who shortly after the crash described his son as "kind, caring and generous".

He added: "He was always smiling, telling us he loved us and would share anything he had.

"Even on the morning he died, he had texted me saying, 'Hi dad, going to meet Damien. See you later. Love you'."

Judge Philip Statman left the bench for two minutes after Mrs Plommer's statement, which was described by defence solicitor Karen Dempsey as “heart-rending”.

She added: “The defendant is extremely sorry about the loss to the family of Kyle. She is extremely remorseful and distressed about what happened and feels it should have been her and not Kyle who died.

“She has no recollection about what happened but will be haunted by the consequences of her actions for the rest of her life.”

Lee-Alliston was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for three years. She will also have to take an extended test before being allowed to drive again.

Judge Statman told Kyle's family: “There are no words of comfort that I can extend to the family because there is nothing I can do to bring that young man back to life.”

He added he believed Lee-Alliston’s remorse was genuine, adding that friends had described her as “a woman of kindness and thoughtfulness”.

It emerged during sentencing that a courageous motorist risked his life to save Kyle's brother, Damien.

Martin Jones was passing the scene of the crash when he rushed over to the overturned Fiesta, which was spilling petrol.

Damien - who was unconscious inside and trapped by his seatbelt - was cut free by Mr Jones.

The judge said Mr Jones had shown courage and awarded him £500 and a High Sheriff of Kent Bravery Award.

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