The family of a teenager killed in a head-on crash have forgiven the man who admitted causing his death - but want to hear him say sorry.

Thomas Hodson Fannon, 18, an accountancy student, died after his motorcycle collided with a quad bike, driven by Sam Edge, 20.

Appearing before a Manchester Crown Court judge, Edge admitted causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and whilst uninsured.

The court heard that Edge, 20, had met a group of four men including Thomas on the evening of October 14 last year.

Sam Edge

He borrowed a quad bike from the group to take for a ride and was on his way back to them on Ryder Brow Road, Gorton .

But he suddenly glimpsed a ‘split second’ view of a Kawasaki motorbike in front, driven by Thomas.

The court heard he tried but failed to slow down and crashed into Thomas, who suffered severe brain and spinal injuries.

Neither were wearing crash helmets.

Thomas’ life support was switched off the following day, his mother’s birthday, and he died surrounded by his family.

Edge, of Hyde Road, Gorton, knew he was speeding and that the lights were not on, the court heard.

Dressed in black, he hung his head throughout the hearing as in the public gallery Thomas’s family sobbed.

Afterwards, his mum Shelley, who is seven months pregnant, said: “We forgive Sam, we don’t blame him. But we just wish he had apologised to us or spoken to us about it.

Thomas Fannon, right with his brother Stephen, front

“He never did, not even at the funeral. He just could have come to our door and explained.”

Shelley added: “We understand they were just being young - and boys will be boys and Tom could have been in court today.

“But we have never had an explanation, Tom isn’t here to give us one and Sam is.

“An apology would mean a lot to us, especially to his dad, he is finding it so hard.”

She appealed for other drivers to slow down, adding: “Tom wasn’t wearing a helmet, please do - and try to be safe on the road.

“Tom loved bikes but it turned into a disaster.”

Shelley, who is separated from Thomas’s dad Terry, says she knew instinctively that Thomas was in danger on the night of the tragedy.

She added: “I was at his grandad’s house and I just felt it, I can’t explain it. Then the call came to say he was in hospital.”

Stockport -born Thomas, who had six siblings, and would have been 19 in April, was studying accountancy at Stockport College.

Shelley, who is expecting a baby in September, added: “I’m having a little boy and we will call him Sonny Thomas.

“Tom was marvellous, so happy go lucky, with such an infectious laugh.

Thomas died after the collision

“He helped keep our family together, Terry and I separated years ago but everyone got on and saw each other.

“He was cheeky and mischievous, he enjoyed every minute of life.”

The former Reddish Vale Technology College pupil, known as ‘Little Tom’ as a child, was gifted with numbers and had hoped to become an accountant.

He was close to his grandmother Ann Fannon and aunt Julie Fannon, 43, who said: “We are glad we don’t have to go through the trauma of a trial, but nothing can bring Thomas back to us.”

Telling Edge a custodial sentence was ‘inevitable’, Judge Suzanne Goddard added: “This is a very tragic case indeed.

“You were diving a quad bike with no lights at around 7.30pm on an October evening. It contributed significantly towards the death of a young man.”

Edge was refused bail and the case was adjourned for sentence.