THE family of a teenager who died after the car he was a passenger in crashed into a road sweeper has welcomed a decision to reject a driving ban appeal by the man behind the wheel.

Michael Lock, now 23, had hoped to have his ban halved to allow him to work as a full-time engineer.

But a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court dismissed the appeal.

Lock was driving the car in which 18-year-old Joshua Irvine died in Bromley Road, in November 2012.

In a statement, Joshua’s family said: “It has been nearly five years since our wonderful son Joshua was taken from us by Michael Lock’s dangerous driving.

“During that time we have begun to deal with the fact that we will never see our son again, that he will never have a chance at fulfilling his dream of joining the Navy and will never have a family of his own.

“He received a six year driving disqualification which meant that he would not be a danger to the public for a good few years.

“On hearing that he was appealing this punishment it felt like he was killing Joshua all over again, but justice has prevailed and his appeal was refused.

“We have no doubt that when he is able, he will appeal again but for now he will have to take his punishment and Joshua has had justice.”