A DRIVER who killed his teenage passenger in a horrific head-on crash was today starting a one-year jail sentence.

But the sentence handed down to Christopher Fithian-Franks, who was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, did nothing to console the devastated mother of 18-year-old Michelle Atkinson.

Annette Atkinson, of Manor Drive, Camblesforth, near Selby, told the Evening Press: "We miss her so much that no judgment whatsoever can alter the fact that Michelle is no longer with us."

Speaking after the three-day trial at Leeds Crown Court, a tearful Mrs Atkinson said: "To suffer the loss of a child is devastating.

"And having to wait over a year for the trial to take place has been a tremendous strain on all the family."

Fithian-Franks, 26, of Kent Road, Selby, whose eight-months pregnant wife burst into tears on hearing the sentence, was driving Michelle and two other friends to a karaoke night at Hirst Courtney in April last year when the accident happened.

The court heard that he attempted to overtake a Fiat Punto near a bend just south of Burn on the A19 and hit a VW Passat taxi head-on, killing Michelle and knocking himself unconscious.

Michelle, a former Brayton High pupil, was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

Fithian-Franks, who told the court he could not remember anything about the accident, was also banned from driving for five years.

Recorder James Spencer QC told him: "You set off in wet, dark and murky conditions and despite that, were displaying great impatience.

"You were determined to overtake the car in front and you did so.

"You caused the death of a friend, Michelle Atkinson, a young woman who had done nothing wrong and did not deserve to die.

"Whatever I do cannot bring her back, whatever I do cannot end the tragic consequences for her family."

Mr Spencer told Fithian-Franks, who was disqualified for a year in 1995 for drink-driving, that had there been any signs of excess alcohol in his system he would have received a much longer sentence.

"I would be failing in my public duty if I did not give you a custodial sentence," he added.

Mrs Atkinson said later: "Now I must concentrate on redeveloping some semblance of normal family life, as difficult as it may be.

"We love and miss her dearly, and nothing can change the fact that Michelle is no longer with us."