Driver admits killing teenager by hitting lamppost

A woman has admitted killing a 19-year-old passenger after she drove into a lamppost.

India Thompson, 20, crashed a silver Vauxhall Astra in Greyhound Lane, Streatham, southwest London, at 4.25am on March 28 last year.

Shaunta Rhodan, 19, one of five women in the car, died from her injuries while another passenger, Kumarah Cyrus, was also seriously hurt.

Thompson, of Wood Green, north London, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to Ms Cyrus when she appeared at the Old Bailey.

She denied causing death while driving uninsured and without a licence and those two charges were ordered to lie in on the court file.

Judge John Hillen ordered pre-sentence reports but warned Thompson, of previous good character, she faces a ‘substantial custodial term’.

He granted her bail ahead of sentence on 2 December with conditions including residence and electronic tag with 7pm-6am curfew.

After Shaunta’s death her sister Sacha Roncarelli posted: ‘Gone way too soon, lil sis. You’re 20th was gonna be grand.

‘We are gonna miss you but you’re in a better place now. We will get justice for you. R.I.P, Shaunte Rhoden.

‘Shaunte lived her damn life! 19 yrs of great memories. She has left us in agony and fits of laughter, all at the same time. It’s a lot, y’all.’