Girl Brain-Damaged In Crash Dies Nine Years On

A girl who was brain-damaged in a car crash caused by the speeding son of a multi-millionaire has died almost nine years later.

Cerys Edwards was a baby when the car she was travelling in with her parents was hit by Antonio Singh Boparan in November 2006.

Cerys, who was paralysed in the crash, needed round-the-clock care and was dependent on a ventilator, undergoing dozens of operations.

Her father, Gareth, said: "Cerys was a very happy little girl, whose cheeky smile would melt the heart of anyone present.

"She idolised her father and me her. We had a huge bond and understood each other. She loved listening to music and watching DVDs, going shopping, visiting the cinema and family holidays in Wales.

"She loved people singing and reading to her and made lots of friends who will all miss her.

"Given her injuries, she never complained and was a joy to be with.

"She is and will be sadly missed by all who knew her especially her dad."

Boparan, who was 19 at the time of the crash, was driving his parents' Range Rover Sport in excess of 70mph in a 30mph zone, on the wrong side of the road in Sutton Coldfield, in the West Midlands.

He hit the Edwards' car head on.

He was convicted of dangerous driving in April 2008 and jailed for 21 months, before being released under curfew conditions after serving only six.

Cerys' family later collected 30,000 signatures on a petition that called for tougher sentences for dangerous driving.

Boparan is heir to a £130m fortune and has since set up a charitable trust with his mother which has helped other disabled or disadvantaged children.

A spokesman said he "remains deeply remorseful of his actions".

His father, Ranjit Singh Boparan, is known as "The Chicken King" after founding the 2 Sisters Food Group.

In February 2012, Cerys' family were awarded £5m in compensation from Boparan's insurers and £450,000 a year for the rest of her life.

Their solicitor, Richard Langton, said at the time: "Today the judge made the very telling point that no amount of money can actually turn back the clock or make a difference to Cerys' injuries but at least it gives the parents security for the future.

"They know whatever happens there'll be enough funds to pay for Cerys' care."