A MAN is today facing prison after admitting his part in causing the death of a young Essex woman in a horror crash, a court has heard.

Ricki Spriggs, of Wherstead Road, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving on the A137 between Wherstead and Tattingstone.

Kirstie Seaman, a care assistant at Oak House in Stutton, was killed in the three-vehicle crash shortly before 6.30am on November 9 last year.

The former Manningtree High School pupil was travelling towards Tattingstone on her moped when she was involved in a collision with Spriggs’ van.

Spriggs, a driver by trade, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, where Judge David Goodin warned he could face a prison term.

He said: “The offence you have pleaded guilty to is a grave one which may result in the loss of your liberty.”

He disqualified the 52-year-old from driving between now and when he is sentenced at the court on Thursday, August 5.

Shortly after her death, her family paid an emotional tribute to Kirstie, describing her as a girl with “a big heart.”

A statement released by her family described her as a people person with an “enthusiasm for life”.

Her family said: “Kirstie was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew her. Her smile, her chatter and her presence.

“If you met her for the first time, you would be a friend by the time you parted company.

“She loved people and showed she cared by the work she had done. Kirstie had a big heart, matched only by her enthusiasm for life.”

A second driver is due to appear in court in connection with a fatal collision.

Andrew Theobold, 58, who is from Clacton-on-Sea, was also charged with causing death by careless driving.