A TEENAGE driver crashed just days after getting his licence - resulting in the death of a 15-year old passenger, an inquest was told.

Passenger Jason Jenkins, 15, of Pembroke Street, Tredegar, was in a car with four other friends when it ploughed down an embankment, the Newport inquestheard.

The Peugeot 406 estate, driven by Leon Yandle, then aged 17, left the road around 11pm on June 19, 2003 on the A4048, 100 metres south of the Heathfield roundabout near Tredegar.

The friends were part of a two- car convoy returning to Tredegar after ten pin bowling in Caerphilly.

Gregory Thomas Robinson told the inquest that he was in the front passenger seat of the Peugeot when a small animal, probably a fox, dashed in front of the car.

He said: "Leon swerved right and tried to straighten the car out by swerving left. But the back end started to swing round." The car skidded off the road and went down a steep embankment, smashing into a tree.

PC Christopher Goddard, of Gwent Police forensic collision investigation unit, said tyre marks showed the car had not swerved, but was attempting the corner at high speed.

He estimated the car was moving at 74mph when the maximum speed to take the bend was 59mph. The speed limit was 60mph. PC Goddard told the inquest Yandle had passed his test around eight days before the collision.

Gwent coroner David Bowen said Jason, a pupil at Tredegar Comprehensive, died on June 23 at the University Hospital, Cardiff, from injuries following a "massive impact" to the left side of his head and chest.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Bowen said: "The car was travelling far too fast and was in the wrong position on the road. "These factors, coupled with Mr Yandle's inexperience contributed to the loss of control."

Friend Kevin James Butt was driving a Vauxhall Corsa 100m in front and said: "There was no fooling around or racing".

The four other boys in the Peugeot received cuts and bruises. Jason's father, Stephen Jenkins, 43, a minibus operator, said after the hearing: "I expected this result and I'm happy with the coroner's choice of words.

"Jason was a bubbly lad who had everything to look forward to in life. He wanted to join my business as a mechanic.

"It's been a terrible time for us. I'd like to thank family and friends who have been there when we needed them."

Jason is survived by a 21- year-old sister, Sarah, and a brother Gavin, 18.

At a hearing before Gwent magistrates, Yandle pleaded guilty by solicitor to driving without due car and attention. He was fined £100, told to pay £43 costs and six penalty points were put on his licence.