A driver took heroin hours before a crash which killed a teenager.

Tommy Jones, 27, admitted a charge of careless driving while under the influence of drugs when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court.

Ross Partridge, 19, who was riding a Honda 125cc bike, was fatally injured in the accident in Dittons Road, Stone Cross, near Eastbourne, on the evening of December 11 last year.

Mr Partridge, who lost an arm in the crash, died later that night at the Eastbourne District General Hospital following emergency surgery to amputate one of his legs.

Jones, of Swan Barn caravan site, Downash, Hailsham, whose girlfriend Natasha James was a passenger, was overtaking another vehicle when he collided with the bike.

Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, said passers-by rushed to help Mr Partridge while Jones and Ms James climbed out of the car and made their way home.

When police traced Jones later that night he denied he had been driving the car but five days later he walked into Hailsham police station and admitted he had been behind the wheel. He told officers he had not been able to sleep since the accident.

Tim Bergin, defending, told the court Jones had taken £5 worth of heroin at lunchtime.

Sentencing was adjourned for a Newton hearing to hear disputed evidence. Jones was remanded in custody.