THE parents of Liberty Baker have spoken of their devastation after watching the driver who killed her sentenced to four years' jail.

Teenager Robert Blackwell was handed the sentence - and a five-year driving ban - after admitting causing the death of schoolgirl Liberty by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Liberty's father Paul said: "Since Liberty’s death our lives have been severely shattered and we feel utterly devastated.

“The future milestones that we would have taken for granted, such as Liberty wearing a prom dress, going to university, her 18th and 21st birthdays, and being able to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day, have been so cruelly taken from us.

“Day to day life will never be the same. Our house has gone from a very happy, vibrant home, which used to run like clockwork, to a house that just about functions.

“As a family we are dreading Christmas, as we will only have one sack of presents instead of two.

“No parent should have to bury their child.”

Nineteen-year-old Blackwell, of Hayway Lane, Weald, near Bampton, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court today.

Liberty, of Thorney Leys, Witney, died on June 30 last year when she was struck by a car which mounted the kerb in Curbridge Road.

Two other 14-year-old girls, who attended Henry Box School with Liberty, and Paul Cracknell were also injured in the incident.

Mr Cracknell suffered serious leg injuries and is still being receiving hospital treatment as an outpatient. He has since been able to return to work on a part time basis.

Pc Sandra Terry, of Thames Valley Police's serious collision investigation unit, said: “This is a tragic case for all involved, especially the family and loved-ones of Liberty Baker, who on the morning of Monday 30 June was looking forward to another day at school. Sadly her life was cut short due to the dangerous driving of Blackwell, who today has been sentenced to four years.

“This case highlights the importance of driving safely and maintaining concentration at all times – Thames Valley Police collated evidence to suggest that Blackwell was distracted by a text message on his phone before the collision.

“Nothing can bring Liberty back but I hope that today’s sentence will give everyone involved in this awful case some closure.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the bravery of Liberty’s friends who sustained minor injuries during the incident, and Paul Cracknell who sustained serious leg injuries during the collision.

“Finally I would like to thank all staff and officers involved in investigating the collision."