A 19-year-old Shrewsbury man today told an inquest he has no idea how the crash which killed his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend happened.

Scott Cox, of Reabrook Avenue, Shrewsbury, was driving his Peugeot 306 on the B4380 near Bicton on December 9 when he lost control, the inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court heard.

Alex Riley, of Aynesworth Green, Harlescott, the only passenger, was killed when the car hit a tree and ended up in a garden. The inquest heard the pair had ended their relationship in October 2007, but had continued to keep in touch.

Mr John Ellery, mid and north Shropshire coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death. He gave the medical cause of death as multiple injuries.

Mr Cox said: “I remember coming up to the corner. After that, I do not remember anything until I was in the front garden.

“All I remember is the back of the car kicking out and Alex screaming my name.”

Constable Ian Edwards, collision investigator, said it was likely the loss of control was caused by a combination of inappropriate steering and excessive speed for the corner. He said no mechanical faults were found on the L-registration car.

In a statement read at the inquest, Carolyn Johnson, Alex’s mother, said her daughter was “outgoing, individual and very popular”.

In August, Mr Cox was ordered to pay £160 at Shrewsbury Magistrates’ Court after he admitted driving without due care and attention.