English Premiership
Man City young gun jailed
2013-02-28 17:44
Courtney Meppen-Walters (Getty Images)
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Manchester - A Manchester City youth player broke down in tears on Thursday as he was jailed for 16 months for killing a brother and sister while speeding in his Mercedes in central Manchester.
A Manchester court heard that 18-year-old Courtney Meppen-Walter was driving at nearly double the speed limit of 48 km/h when he hit a car carrying Kulwant Singh, 32, and his 37-year-old sister, Ravel Kaur.
Both siblings, who hailed from the Manchester area, were killed, while Ms Kaur's two sons, aged 16 and 17, were injured.
Meppen-Walter, who was also the captain of England's under-18 side, will serve half his sentence in custody but may be released earlier and obliged to wear an electronic tag.
The judge also banned him from driving for three years and ordered the sale of the car, with the proceeds to go to the injured passengers.
Meppen-Walter's lawyer, Gwyn Lewis, said his client was "truly sorry" for what he had done.
"To begin, it has to be said this type of case is one that should always be described as tragic," Lewis said.
"Tragic of course for the family, those who lost loved ones and were very badly injured. But also it's a tragedy for the defendant.
"He was only just 18. He became involved in a matter that only took a few seconds that will remain with him for the rest of his life.
"The incident was over in a flash. He stayed at the scene and tried to assist, but it was already too late."