A TEENAGER and his family sobbed in Sittingbourne magistrates court as charges over a crash that killed three best friends were read out to him.

Luke Bootes, 18, of Hawthorn Avenue, Sheerness, was committed to stand trial at the crown court and there was no application for bail when he appeared on Monday.

Chairman of the bench Mike Stemp said he was remanded in custody for his own protection and the case was so serious that it had to held at the crown court.

The three women were in a black Peugeot 205 which was in a head-on collision with a grey Jaguar XJS Sovereign 3.2, allegedly driven by Mr Bootes.

It happened at 6pm on Saturday on a sweeping bend of the A249 Brielle Way, Sheerness, near West Street, Bluetown.

The victims, who were all in their fifties, were Jean Wigglesworth and Phyllis Paolillo, both of Medway Road, Sheerness, and Carol Whittaker of the town's Linden Drive.

Mr Bootes was charged with three counts of causing death by careless driving; driving whilst unfit through drink; aggravated vehicle taking; driving without insurance and making off without paying £10 worth of fuel.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help officers with their enquiry to contact the serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538.