The family of a teenage girl killed in a horror crash says the driver responsible "got away with it" after he walked free from court this week.

Mentesh Da Silva, 19, also known by the surname Mouherrem, escaped with a suspended sentence after admitting causing the death of his girlfriend, Emily Laker, in Broad Oak last August.

He had been driving along Shalloak Road at 12.25am when he took a bend too fast and hit a tree, killing the "kind and caring" 18-year-old.

Her family was in court as a judge spared Da Silva prison, instead suspending an eight-month sentence for a year-and-a-half.

Her father, Ross Laker, said afterwards: "We are still trying to take it in but the result is very disappointing."

His partner, Lisa Smart, who worked with Miss Laker at the Tyler’s Kiln pub in Canterbury, added: "It seems to us he has just got away with it and the sentence won't really affect him.

"I'm not sure it sends out much of a deterrent to other young drivers to make sure they drive safely.

"But there is nothing we can do now and we are glad the waiting is over."

Da Silva admitted causing death by careless driving and appeared for sentence at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday.

The court was told he was not speeding at the time of the crash but lost control of his Renault Clio, over-correcting and hitting a tree.

He was cut free and taken to a London hospital with a broken jaw and hip and a punctured lung.

Miss Laker, who lived in Sturry, was a passenger in the front seat and died at the scene.

Casey Dixon, who was in the back, escaped with minor injuries.

Da Silva – who caused controversy when he posted a hospital selfie on Facebook after the crash – took to social media again following his sentencing.

He posted: "Just like to say thank you to all my family for the support and to the people who stood by me even through all the **** that went round that weren't true.

"Much love guys."

"It seems to us he has just got away with it and the sentence won't really affect him" - Lisa Smart

He later added: "I feel myself again, no worries now! Just wish I still had my girl by my side and none of this **** ever happened.

"Thank you people, I know who's been there for me and who's been fake. Only up and forward now for me!"

Peter Alcock, defending, said Mouherrem, who was a student at Canterbury College, had no real memory of the crash. He had shown extreme remorse and regret, fully taking responsibility.

"He spoke of the devastation he had caused," Mr Alcock told the judge. "That is little help, of course, to those who suffered, and will continue to suffer.

"He is unable to change that which he has done."

Mouherrem bowed his head and wept as Mr Alcock continued: "It is a desperate situation. It is plain he will have to live with his conscience all his life. This is a life sentence in itself.

"That is something he is going to have to live with. Time only is something that can assist."

Mr Alcock said Mouherrem was not over the drink-drive limit. It was "a combination of factors of inexperience".

Mouherrem's mother died three years ago. He was no longer at college but hoped to continue his studies and go to university.

His father had remarried and moved to Cyprus. He had been invited to go but was living with his brother.

"He wishes to move on in a law-abiding and exemplary fashion in life," said Mr Alcock. "I ask that you can avoid an immediate custodial sentence.

"No sentence can possibly reflect the outcome of this terrible tragedy. It was a careless act, albeit with tragic consequences."