TWO cousins have been sentenced to a total of nine years after a collision in which a teenager died.

Jessie Smith, 17, from Milton Road, Chesham, was travelling in a stolen Ford Sierra being driven by Edward Parker when it collided with another car being driven by Edward's brother, Shane.

Shane Parker, 19, of Judds Close, Witney, pleaded guilty on August 20 at Oxford Crown Court to causing death by dangerous driving. He was jailed for three-and-a-half years for causing death by dangerous driving. He was disqualified from driving for five years.

Edward Parker, 26, of Judds Close, Witney, pleaded guilty on September 14 to the same offence as well as driving whilst disqualified. He received five-and-a-half years for causing death by dangerous driving and was disqualified from driving for eight years.

Oxford Crown Court heard the two cars collided when one tried to overtake the other on the B4017 Abingdon Road, Drayton, on October 29 last year.

Sgt Bryan Smith, of Oxfordshire Roads Policing Department, said: "These men were driving recklessly and dangerously. Edward Parker should have taken responsibility for the safety of his passengers and Jessie Smith. He did not and that is largely why Jessie died.

"We can only hope that the sentences passed today will serve as a deterrent to those irresponsible individuals who chose to use the roads in this way.