A man who drank nine pints of lager and took cocaine before crashing into a group of schoolchildren and killing a 16-year-old girl, has been jailed.

On July 2 of last year, Stuart Abbs, of Court Wood Lane in Croydon was driving down Pixton Lane, roughly twice as fast as the 30mph speed limit.

The road had no footpaths and the children were walking in the road on the opposite side to oncoming vehicles.

Abbs braked hard, hit the pedestrians and a parked car, killing Nicole Davis and injuring six others.

The 39-year-old fled the scene before the police arrived but handed himself in later that morning, meaning that precise alcohol and drug readings could not be taken.

His blood was, however, found on the driver’s airbag while CCTV showed that he had been to three pubs on the night of the crash. He also admitted to taking cocaine.

Today at the Old Bailey (March 20), he was jailed for ten years for causing death by dangerous driving.

Abbs also pleaded guilty to three charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in the crash.

Sally-Anne Russell, of the CPS London homicide team, said Nicole's death could have easily been avoided.

“Stuart Abbs killed one teenager and caused serious injuries to others as a result of his dangerous driving," she said.

“If he had been driving at the speed limit he would have had more time to brake and avoid any casualties.

“Furthermore, only 20 minutes before this crash, the prosecution was able to show CCTV of Abbs drinking heavily in nearby pubs. He also admitted to police he had taken cocaine.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nicole Davis, and the other injured children, at this time.”