A NANTWICH teenager who left a promising student for dead in a hit and run, has been jailed this week.

Ashley O'Brien, 17, died of multiple injuries after he was struck by a Vauxhall Corsa, while walking home on January 31 at Road One on the Winsford Industrial Estate at around 1.35am.

The driver of the vehicle, Sean Astles, 17, from Nantwich, was jailed for six years, and passenger James Brandon, 18, of Winsford, for three years.

Astles, of Manor Gardens, had earlier admitted causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle-taking, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Brandon, had also admitted allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle when an accident occurred resulting in death.

Prosecutor Peter Frost told Chester Crown Court on Tuesday: "Ashley O'Brien was a much loved son, studying hard with a view to becoming a forensic scientist.

"He lost his life on January 31 as a result of the actions of the defendants."

He told the court how Astles and Brandon had been drinking that evening at the Brighton Belle pub in Winsford.

During that time Astles drank two bottles or beer, two WKDs and three pints of Fosters. Brandon consumed eight or nine bottles of WKD and 'a couple of shots'.

They then walked to Mersey Place in Winsford to the home of Sean Astles' mother. Without her knowledge, he then took her car keys from a draw, despite having no licence and no permission to take the vehicle.

The court heard how after taking the Corsa they had a conversation with a friend, part of which was recorded by accident on a mobile phone. The friend could be heard saying 'Bungie, Bungie, put your lights on'.

The defendants then drove to Winsford Industrial Estate, where they were recorded in part by CCTV cameras. They were still not displaying lights.

Police investigators said that Astles eventually lost control of the vehicle as it was travelling between 60 and 67mph.

Mr Frost said: "The car then mounted the kerb leaving a series of tyre marks, then left the carriageways, crossing the grass verge and onto the footpath.

"Tragically the vehicle collided with Ashley O'Brien.

"He was carried along for some 45 metres before his body came to rest."

Mr O'Brien had also been drinking in the Brighton Belle that evening and at the time of the accident was walking home.

Mr Frost said: "It was quite clear that the collision had happened. But neither defendant went to check on the person they had hit.

"Later on Mr Brandon did make a 999 call from a payphone."

The court heard how a couple stopped at the scene of the accident and attempted to help the victim until paramedics arrived.

Both defendants were later arrested and two hours after the accident Astles was found to be almost twice the legal drink drive limit.

Astles said in interview that he had lost control of the car as he thought Brandon was about to grab the steering wheel.

Brandon told police he had only leaned over to change the music that was playing.

Mr Frost said: "Mr Brandon maintained it was Astles' idea to take the car. He said he knew he did not have a licence.

"He said he thought of getting out of the car but decided to stay after being persuaded by Astles that he was not going to do anything daft and that he was just going to drive to Crewe or Nantwich."

Neither defendant had any previous convictions.

Anthony Morris, representing Astles, said: "He wishes to extend his sincere condolences to the family of Ashley O'Brien.

"He accepts it needs to be a custodial sentence and he is keen to begin that sentence.

"His remorse will continue for the rest of his life."

Mark Friend, representing Brandon, said: "Since this incident he has been overwhelmed by guilt and contrition.

"He aspires to enter the armed services and serve his country."

The Recorder of Chester Judge Elgan Edwards said he had received letters from both defendants and from family members.

Sentencing the defendants, he said: "This is a quite disgraceful piece of behaviour by both of you.

"A young person's life has been tragically snuffed out and it's your fault.

"I consider this a quite shocking case.

"After you had knocked over the poor boy you left him and had no concern for him. You were too concerned for your own safety and getting away from the scene."

Astles was also banned from driving for seven years and Brandon for four years.