A teenage motorist has admitted causing the deaths of three passengers, who died in a collision in Warwickshire five weeks after he passed his driving test.

Police said the case of Edward Spencer showed the “devastating consequences” that can occur if a car is driven carelessly.

Spencer, 19, pleaded guilty at Warwick crown court on Monday to three counts of causing death by careless driving and three counts of causing serious injury by careless driving in a collision between Chipping Campden and Shipston-on-Stour in April 2023.

Warwickshire police said Spencer lost control of his Ford Fiesta on the B4035 Campden Road while on his way home from school. Harry Purcell, 17, Tilly Seccombe, 16, and Frank Wormald, 16, fellow pupils at Chipping Campden School in Gloucestershire who were passengers in Spencer’s car, died as a result of their injuries.

A woman and two young children, who were travelling in another car, were seriously injured and continue to receive treatment for their life-changing injuries.

Insp Michael Huntley, from Warwickshire police, encouraged young people and their parents to consider the limitations of being a newly qualified driver. He added: “Drivers need to be aware of the devastating consequences that can occur if a car is driven carelessly.

“Edward Spencer had only passed his test five weeks prior to the collision and his careless actions cost the lives of three young people travelling in his car. Driving requires judgment and care, even more so when you lack experience. As this tragic case shows, the consequences of careless driving can be devastating.

“So many lives have been ruined by this terrible incident. I can’t begin to imagine the pain this has caused, and our thoughts remain with the individuals and families affected.”

Spencer was granted bail and will be sentenced on 28 April.