A DRIVER who crashed his car into a tree and caused the death of his teenage friend will be sentenced next month.

A Ford Fiesta being driven by Kurt Beagrie, 23, left the road and struck the tree in Coggeshall Road, between Earls Colne and Coggeshall, on August 2, 2020.

Erikas Eicas, 19, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene after suffering severe chest injuries.

Beagrie, then aged 20, suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash and was rushed to hospital.

Gazette: Devastating - Eric Eicas, 19, died at the scene between Coggeshall and Earls ColneDevastating - Eric Eicas, 19, died at the scene between Coggeshall and Earls Colne (Image: Family handout)

Beagrie, of Castle Lane, Castle Hedingham, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday morning.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, May 12 and has been handed an interim driving disqualification.

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Tributes to Mr Eicas remain at the crash site next to the America Road junction almost three years on from the incident on August 2, 2020.

His loved ones rallied to raise a staggering £11,500 to pay for his funeral and fund a bench in his memory in the wake of his death.

Gazette: Popular - tributes remain to popular Eric at the scenePopular - tributes remain to popular Eric at the scene (Image: Google)

The Halstead teenager was described as “selfless, dedicated, caring and kind” by his boss at Michaels Property Consultants in Colchester.

Speaking at the youngster’s funeral, Michael Simpson added: “It was clear that Eric wanted to make something of himself. He had ambition, determination and drive - bags of it.

"I can hand on heart say that Eric was the most dedicated, hardworking and committed person to his job and career I’ve ever met and we were so very lucky to have him. He was a star in the making.

“I cannot even put into words the sadness, confusion and pain losing him at such a young age and with so much to give has caused us all - and we only had the pleasure of knowing him a year.”

Gazette: Much loved - Eric was described by his employer as 'a star in the making'Much loved - Eric was described by his employer as 'a star in the making' (Image: Michaels Property Consultants)

Beagrie will be sentenced following the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: “You have admitted causing the death of Mr Eicas by dangerous driving.

“Do not leave the court building believing that you may avoid custody if there is a positive pre-sentence report."

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