A FAMILY which successfully fought to have charges changed against a man found guilty of killing a Wolverley youth has vowed to help others.

Robert Taylor, of Stourbridge, faces jail after being found guilty of causing the death of Richard Carrington, of Little Hayes, Wolverley, by dangerous driving.

The verdict follows more than a year of anguish for Richard's family which fought to have the initial charge of driving without due care and attention changed.

His mother Sharon Burnell said: "I am relieved it is all over and we feel we have got justice, not because we want to see the man sent to prison but the case proved Richard never stood a chance.

"I want to thank everyone for coming forward and giving evidence. All our family and friends have been marvellous.

"The positive thing to come out of this is it shows you can take on the system and we want to help others."

She was unaware she could contest the charges until a helpful policeman advised she could go to the initial magistrates' court hearing and plead her case.

After four adjournments the matter finally came before an inquest in Cannock last November, where South Staffordshire coroner Andrew Haigh took the unusual step of asking for the case to be reviewed. The family was told in January this year Taylor would face the new charge.

He pleaded not guilty at Stafford Crown Court but a jury found him guilty last Wednesday.

Judge Nicholas Mitchell remanded him on bail stating: "Prepare yourself for a substantial custodial penalty."

Richard died after a head-on smash on the A451 Kidderminster to Stourbridge road at Iverley in March last year. He was returning home from the cinema with girlfriend Faith Guy when Taylor's car ploughed into him.

The court heard Taylor, of Hagley Road, overtook a car on the brow of a hill "in a classic case of a young man in a hurry".

Richard was cut out of his mini and died in hospital two hours later. Rod Henderson, prosecuting, said a test showed Taylor had 115 milligrams of alcohol in his blood against the legal limit of 80.

Richard's aunt Angela Burnell said the family had been through "upset, shock, anger and disbelief" over the initial charge.

Now they wanted to ensure no-one else goes through the same ordeal. Anyone interested can call Angela on 01562 631750.