IPSWICH: Two teenagers were due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court today to stand trial over the crash which claimed the life of teenager Sian Ryan.

The 16-year-old Copleston High School pupil died on the A14 near Nacton on August 17 last year.

She was a passenger in a car which was involved in a two-vehicle accident, close to the Orwell Bridge on the westbound carriageway.

The car she was travelling in collided with a road sign at the edge of the duel carriageway.

Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court today, Gavin Sahota, 18, of Stewart Young Grove in Kesgrave, and Perri Daniel, 19, of Upper Cavendish Street, Ipswich, were due to face charges of causing death by dangerous driving.

The pair have both denied causing the death of Miss Ryan, who lived in Alan Road.

They each entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them when they appeared at the court in Russell Road on Thursday, January 28.

The trial, which was due to be heard in front of Judge David Goodin, is expected to last for seven days.

Speaking shortly after the death of her youngest child, Sian’s mum, Chrissie Ryan, said: “When Sian was born we called her our special gift and so it was proven.

“She lit this whole family like a beacon. Her humour kept and is still keeping us laughing. Kids are only on loan but we didn’t expect Sian’s to be a short-term loan.

“Though her life was short it was a very full, active and happy one.”

Sian’s father Mike Ryan added: “The best way to describe Sian was like a bottle of top quality champagne, clear, bright, bubbly and totally effervescent.”