A 23-year-old man has been jailed for a year following the death of Long Hanborough man Richard Reed in a car crash last year.

Jacob Harper, of Akeman Street, Combe, admitted causing death by careless driving at Banbury Magistrates’ Court at a hearing on August 6.

Oxford Crown Court heard today how on November 2 last year, Harper lost control of his Vauxhall Astra on the A4095 between Witney and Long Hanborough.

According to Thames Valley Police, he mounted the pavement before crossing the carriageway and hitting a tree.

Twenty-six-year-old former Bartholomew schoolboy Richard Reed, the front seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Harper was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with serious injuries.

Today he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, an 18 month driving ban and an extended test if he is to drive again.