A heartbroken dad wept outside court after a speeding driver admitted causing the death of his only child.

Teenager Jordan Bell died after being hit by Mark Batten’s VW Golf GTI in Layer Road, Colchester, on March 21.

The 14-year-old was taken to hospital but died later from multiple injuries.

Her father, Stephen, 40, choked back tears yesterday as he described the family’s frustration that Batten was only charged with careless driving and speeding.

He also called for tougher drink-drive laws after the court heard Batten, 28, was only fractionally under the limit.

“We plead with anyone who may be tempted this Christmas to drink or drug-drive to remember Jordan’s beautiful face and please think again,” said Mr Bell, of Littlefield Road off Layer Road, Colchester.

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