A teenager was killed in a car crash after a night out drinking, an inquest heard today (Wednesday).

Josh Smith, from Ashford Avenue, Sonning Common, was more than twice over the drink-drive limit when his Ford Fiesta hit a tree in Emmer Green in the early hours of September 14.

The former pupil of Gillotts School in Henley and The Henley College had been with four other friends at the White Horse pub in Emmer Green for a weekly quiz before he drove into Reading, Newbury Coroner’s Court heard.

Josh, who would have been 20 earlier this month, had made two phone calls to friends in the early hours of the night before the crash, which is believed to have happened between 3.30am and 5.30am. Police discovered Josh’s car three hours later close to Abbey Rugby Club where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His mother Sam Kelly-Smyth and stepfather Aston were among 14 members of the family and friends in the public gallery at Newbury town hall.

Coroner Peter Bedford recorded a verdict of “misadventure”.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Henley Standard.

Published 27/02/13