Tributes paid to Taunton student after motorist who killed her is jailed

Silvia Diaz Sanz, 15, died after she was hit on a pedestrian crossing in Greenway Road, in Taunton, outside Taunton International School, where she was learning English.

Zoltan Ferencz ploughed into the Spanish teenager and an Italian friend as he drove home from work.

Taunton Crown Court heard that he had been looking for a cloth to clear a misty windscreen and had not seen the two girls.

Silvia, whose parents were in court to see Ferencz sentenced, died from unsurvivable injuries in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, the day after the incident on December 12 last year.

Her friend, Constanza Maria Asini is recovering from serious injuries she suffered after the crash.

Zoltan Ferencz

A written statement from Silvia's mother Yolanda Sanz was read to the court explaining how the family are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Ferencz was jailed for 27 months forcausing death by dangerous driving; 12 months for causing serious injury by dangerous driving; and 15 months for driving an unlicesned and uninsured vehicle. The sentences will run concurrently.

He was also handed a three-year driving ban and ordered to pay a £170 statutory surcharge.

In a statement, her family said: "In memory of our beloved daughter and sister who was taken from us because of an irresponsible action.  She is greatly missed but never forgotten and we always pray for her soul.

“We are thankful for the fifteen years we had Silvia among us with her beauty, healthiness and sensitivity to other’s feelings.

“Siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones. Descansa en paz - (You will always live in our hearts. Rest in peace)

“We would also like to express our thanks to the support provided by staff at the Taunton School. We really appreciated their help.

“And we would also like to thank Avon and Somerset Police - particularly their family liaison service - who helped guide us through what has been a very difficult and challenging time.”

More to follow.