St Albans law student died in three-car crash

TRIBUTES have been paid to a promising law student killed in three-car crash just weeks after passing her driving test. Nicola Saxton, 19, who was about to start her final year at the University of Herts Faculty of Law in St Albans, was driving her grey F

TRIBUTES have been paid to a promising law student killed in three-car crash just weeks after passing her driving test.

Nicola Saxton, 19, who was about to start her final year at the University of Herts Faculty of Law in St Albans, was driving her grey Ford Ka when a lorry rolled on top trapping her in the vehicle before colliding with a black Skoda Fabia.

She was driving back to her family home in South Woodham Ferrers from her part-time job in Clinton Card Shop in St Albans when the crash happened on the A414 near Ongar at around 7.40pm on Monday, August 17.

Sam Walker of Clinton Cards said: "What happened was tragic. Nicola was the nicest person, always smiling and so friendly - a very genuine person who will be greatly missed by the whole Clinton's crew. She will always be our little Essex girl."

Nicola was the second eldest of five children and her ambition was to work in a top law firm.

Her mother Sue said: "Nicola was a keen West Ham supporter who often took her brother Claude to games. She had a boyfriend of two years, Jack Bailey, and was a popular girl with many friends both at Uni and home."

Geraldine Ward, Deputy Dean of Students at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "The University is a close community of students and staff and the death of Nicola has saddened us all. Nicola was a conscientious and friendly student and will be missed by staff and students alike. The condolences of everyone at the University go out to Nicola's family."

The driver of the lorry, a 54-year old man from Luton, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail until October 13.

The driver of the Skoda, a 64-year old Chelmsford man, suffered minor injuries.