10/08/2005

Schoolboy fined over jet-ski death

A schoolboy who killed his girlfriend in a jet-ski accident in Cyprus has received a fine.

James Dudley, 16, from Colwyn Bay, north Wales, was fined just over £2,000 after admitting causing the death of Hannah Sutton, also 16, in the tragic accident.

Mr Dudley admitted to causing Ms Sutton’s death through want of precaution due to recklessness or negligence. He also admitted charges relating to driving a jet ski without a license.

Hannah and James had been on holiday in the resort of Pissouri, when the accident happened on August 2. They had been visiting Hannah’s mother Lynne, who has lived in Cyprus for seven years and teaches St John’s Middle School, near the British Army base in Episkopi.

Mr Dudley had faced a possible prison sentence of up to four years. He told the court that he would never forgive himself for causing Hannah’s death.

Hannah’s parents, Lynne and Stephen, said that they did not blame James for Hannah’s death. They blamed Cypriot authorities and said that accident should not have happened, because the couple were both under 18 – the minimum age to hire and drive a jet ski.

Two Cypriot men, aged 29 and 45, who run the jet-ski hire company involved also face charges over the accident. The men have pleaded not guilty and have been freed to await trial in October.

James and his parents were expected to return to Britain from Cyprus on Wednesday or Thursday. Hannah’s funeral is due to be held on Friday in Dunham Massey in Cheshire.

(KMcA)


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