A GIRL was killed in a horror crash as she travelled home from a day at the beach with family.

Rosie Roebuck was an aspiring actor described by her mother as a “fun-loving, life-embracing, go-getting young woman”.

But the 16-year-old was killed on July 8 when the car she was travelling in was hit by an oncoming Peugeot 508 as it hurtled around a bend.

Daniel Scales from Worthing lost control as his car crossed on to the other side of the road near Petworth, causing the crash.

The Peugeot had been travelling at 43mph in a 30mph zone and no brakes were used before the collision.

Rosie was sat in the back seat of the Volkswagen Golf which was hit.

She was travelling home from a day at the beach with her mother, sister and boyfriend, who were all treated for serious injuries.

But Rosie, from Chiddingfold in Surrey, sustained life threatening injuries and died the next day.

In a statement Rosie’s family said: “We are so proud of what Rosie had achieved in her 16 short years, and of the fun-loving, life-embracing, go-getting young woman she was.

“From the many messages we received, it is clear how well thought of she was and how many lives she touched.

“Rosie had an undeniable presence, a stunning smile, and is desperately missed by many, a lot of whom feel lost and alone without her.

“Rosie was an aspiring actress and participated in numerous productions for her school, Churt Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) and The Tilbourne Players.

“In her memory, we have set up the Rosie Roebuck Performing Arts Foundation – a charity which will provide funding for young performers to fulfil their dreams.”

The collision happened on the A283 at Northchapel, near Petworth, on July 9, 2018.

Scales, an IT worker of George V Avenue, Worthing, told witnesses at the scene that he had been driving home from work that day, having left early because he felt tired, and said he must have fallen asleep at the wheel.

The 49-year-old sustained serious injuries and was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting for treatment.

He was later interviewed via voluntary attendance, and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Scale pleaded guilty at Portsmouth Crown Court and was sentenced to 28 months’ imprisonment, of which he must serve a minimum of 14 months. He was also disqualified from driving for 38 months and ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

Judge Ashworth, in sentencing, acknowledged Scales’ early guilty plea, his previous good character, and clear and genuine remorse at causing the death of Rosie Roebuck.

He said: “It is accepted that this is a case of dangerous driving where you deliberately drove, knowing you were deprived of adequate rest, and aggravated by travelling above the speed limit in a 30mph limit.

“If the accident had been at a lower speed the consequences would have been less.

“A family, friends and community have suffered the loss of Rosie Roebuck, whom her mother described as a caring, intuitive, clever and talented 16-year-old with a promising future ahead of her.”

Investigating officer Tony Crisp, of the Sussex Police Serious Collision Investigations Unit, said: “This was a terrible and tragic collision which has affected families and communities alike, but one that could have been avoided.

“Many drivers may feel the pressure to get to their destination even when fatigued, but driving when you are tired is dangerous and seriously increases the risk of having a collision.

“Make sure you are fit to drive at the beginning of your journey and have had adequate rest.

“If you are feeling the effects of fatigue whilst you are driving, this is the warning sign to find a safe place to stop and take a break.

“Do not continue until you are fit and alert.

“As this crash demonstrates, the consequences of driving whilst tired can be devastating.”