A LORRY driver who caused the death of a south Essex student in a horrific crash has avoided jail.

Mohammed Haghir was sentenced to a 51-week jail term, suspended for two years.

Haghir, 55, was also banned from driving for four years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, after admitting causing death by careless driving.

Haghir was speeding in his lorry on August 17, 2009, when it overturned in Epping Road, Ongar, landing on 19-year-old Nicola Saxton’s Ford Ka and hitting a Skodia Fabia.

Nicola, a former student of Seevic College in Thundersley, from Bankside Close, South Woodham Ferrers, was rushed to hospital but sadly later died of her injuries.

Haghir, of Denmark Close, Luton, was sentened at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Investigating officer Sgt Dave Jones said: “On August 17 last year Nicola Saxton’s young life was cut short by the careless actions of a lorry driver Mohammed Haghir.

“Mr Haghir did not set out to deliberately cause this crash, but his irresponsible actions that evening had tragic consequences.

“Speed limits should not be seen as an inconvenience and should be regarded as a maximum safe speed, when the conditions are right.

“At times, even travelling at the speed limit is wholly inappropriate, especially when driving large vehicles.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nicola Saxton at this very difficult time as we approach the anniversary of her death and this incident should serve to remind those driving on our roads of the potential outcome of driving carelessly.”

Nicola was just about to start her third year of a law degree at Hertfordshire University and had passed her driving test just ten days before the accident.

In a statement her devastated family – mum Susan, dad Nick and siblings Kirsty, 22, Danny, 18, Naomi, 15 and 12-year-old Claude – described her a “sensible girl, full of life”.

They said her car was her “pride and joy” and they described their loved one as a “pretty girl with a wonderful smile”.